Question Title: Idiopathic Pancreatitis

I am a 28 YO male suffering from reoccurring episodes of Acute Idiopathic Pancreatitis. I get these attacks about twice a year and I have been getting them for about 6 years now. With each episode It is becoming more difficult to bounce back. I have very good health when I am not sick with Pancreatitis, although I have been known to be tired often at night, have frequent diarrhea lasting a week. There has been no evidence of gallstones, Anatomic abnormalities (I have had a ERCP, which gave me pancreatitis). I was not a heavy user of alcohol, and since these attacks have begun I have been abstinent. Multiple CAT scans have shown fatty infiltration's on my liver, but none of my GI s were concerned with it. I have stumped most of my GI's. They can't figure out what causes these attacks. I have read the new studies on biliruben / cholesterol crystals and my new GI suggested collecting discharge from my gall bladder. Other doctors suggested a genetic CF test. Are there any other test or conditions that can cause reoccurring acute Idiopathic Pancreatitis? How about Hepatitis? Could Hepatitis go undiagnosed? Any suggestions on how to stop attacks from reoccuring would be greatly appreciated!

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Dear Tony C,
Idiopathic pancreatitis can be related to genetic alterations. there have been reports that some individuals with chronic pancreatitis have alterations in the cystic fibrosis gene. Other investigators have identified genetic changes in the trysinogen gene. Trypsinogen is a digestive enzyme made by the pancreas. While in the pancreas, trysinogen is inactive but when secreted into the duodenum it is converted to the active digestive enZyme trypsin. The conversion of trypsinogen to trypsin while still in the pancreas is believed to be one of the causes for panncreatitis.

To search for genetic causes of pancreatitis you should contact the Genetics Department of your local hospital or University Medical school.

This information is presented for educational purposes. Ask specific questions to your personal physician.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: pancreatitis
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