The Current Concepts and Management of Idiopathic (Tropical) Chronic Pancreatitis

Tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) is a special variant of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis that is seen mainly in tropical countries. Although the prevalence of tropical pancreatitis is high in southern India, it is reported from most parts of India. It occurs usually in young people, involves the main pancreatic duct, and results in large ductal calculi with high incidence of diabetes and malignancy. Recent reports suggest that the presentation is changing. The age of onset is older and the disease course seems to be milder. The etiology is not known, but genetic mutations and environmental factors are likely causes. This article is a narrative review of the recent trends in the etiopathogenesis and management of tropical calcific pancreatitis (TCP). Extensive literature search was done from PubMed and Ovid. Article was prepared by reviewing full-text articles and abstracts related to chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP) and TCP.