1. Mild Pancreatitis Symptoms
Patients with autoimmune pancreatitis experience symptoms similar to pancreatitis; however, the symptoms are chronic and often less severe than those associated with acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, fever and rapid pulse. In addition, when the doctor palpates the area of the pancreas, he may notice swelling, while the patient may complain of pain or tenderness. As symptoms worsen, the patient may experience dehydration, low blood pressure and internal bleeding.
2. Demographic Characteristics
Data suggest that autoimmune pancreatitis affects men twice as often as it affects women. While the disease can strike people in their early thirties, it most commonly affects people in their fifties or sixties. Autoimmune pancreatitis may occur independent of other disorders; however, it's been associated with disorders, such as sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, sarcoidosis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
3. Biliary and Pancreatic Duct Changes
Upon examination using imaging studies, the doctor may notice changes in the patient's biliary and pancreatic ducts. Specifically, the ducts show considerable narrowing or stenosis. Notably, patients with autoimmune pancreatitis often improve after receiving corticosteroid treatment. This occurs in part because the medication widens the narrowing ducts.
4. Lab Study Results
Suspicion of autoimmune pancreatitis often results in lab tests. Results may show elevated blood sugar levels, as approximately half of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis recently developed diabetes mellitus. In addition, lab tests often reveal elevations in the level of serum gamma globulin or IgG4. There may also be an increase in serum autoantibodies, including anti-lactoferrin antibody, anti-carbonic anhydrase II antibody, and rheumatoid factor. In addition, the histopathological samples from the pancreas reveal lymphocytes and plasma cells.
5. Yellowing Of the Skin
Patients with autoimmune pancreatitis often suffer from jaundice. This happens when there is excess bilirubin. Symptoms include a yellow tinting of the skin and the white area around the pupil, known as the sclerae. As the condition worsens, the yellow tint turns a brownish color. Jaundice also produces dark-colored urine that resembles cola or dark tea.
