Abstract
Background and Study Aims: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare disease of unknown origin that involves
the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary system, or both. To obtain more precise information
on concomitant involvement of the pancreatic duct system, a comparatively large group
of 44 patients was studied.
Patients and Methods: Between 1989 and 1995, 44 patients took part in a study of the therapeutic effect
of ursodeoxycholic acid, and their data were analyzed. In 42 of the 44 patients, both
the pancreatic and biliary system were visualized by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP).
Results: Pancreas divisum was detected in four patients (9.5 %) with an otherwise normal major
pancreatic duct. Three (7.1 %) patients had pancreatic duct changes of the type seen
in chronic pancreatitis. When risk factors such as alcohol abuse were excluded, there
was only one patient with PSC and pancreatic duct alterations.
Conclusion: In PSC patients, the prevalence of chronic pancreatitis is low.
