Chronic Pancreatitis-Like Changes Detected by Endoscopic Ultrasound in Type 1 Diabetics Are Not Associated With Gastrointestinal Symptoms or Nutritional Deficiencies.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown changes in the pancreas of type 1 diabetic (T1-DM) patients, similar to those present in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Our aim was to analyze the prevalence of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) criteria for chronic pancreatitis in T1-DM, to determine the association with factors related to the diabetes and to define its clinical significance.

METHODS: Eighty-six T1-DM patients were prospectively included. All of them underwent EUS. Standard criteria were used. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the number of EUS criteria they met: group A, 0 to 2 criteria; group B, 3 to 4; and group C, more than 4. Association between EUS findings and demographic or clinical factors was studied as well as the relationship between EUS abnormalities and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms or nutritional deficiencies.

RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (61.6%) showed at least 1 morphologic abnormality. Fifty-eight patients were included in group A, 21 in group B, and 7 in Group C. No significant differences were found when comparing the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pancreatitis-like changes are frequent in the pancreas of T1-DM patients. These changes are not associated with demographic or clinical data. Therefore, the clinical relevance seems to be scarce.