Chronic Pancreatitis as a Complication of Ulcerative Colitis —Report of 2 Cases—

Abstract: We report on two patients with chronic pancreatitis associated with ulcerative colitis. Both patients had ulcerative colitis involving the entire colon and rectum. The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis was based on the typical findings of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and episodes of hyperamylasemia. The changes in the levels of serum pancreatic enzymes are considered to have paralleled the activity of the colitis. None of the classical etiologies for pancreatitis was found in either case. The time sequence and exclusion of known causes of pancreatitis suggest an association between these two conditions. These two cases, together with other reported cases, provide some evidence for the hypothesis that chronic pancreatitis may be one of the extraintestinal complications of ulcerative colitis. The symptoms of ulcerative cblitis, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, may mimic the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis are probably mutually exacerbating factors. Therefore, the recognition of this phenomenon contributes substantially to the management of ulcerative colitis. (Dig Endosc 1994; 6 : 59–65)