IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Pancreatic calcification

Case contributed by Saikat Sarkar
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Chronic abdominal pain.The patient is an alcoholic.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Plain abdominal radiograph shows coarse calcification in the distribution of the pancreas.

Case Discussion

Pancreatic calcifications are a specific imaging features of chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by progressive pancreatic damage that eventually leads to impairment of both exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis in Western societies is alcohol abuse.

Pancreatic cancer (commonest types) typically does not calcify, but can be associated with underlying chronic calcific pancreatitis. Islet cell tumors can be associated with calcific pancreas (rare).

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.