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Medical Definition of Chronic pancreatitis
1. Inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterised by fibrosis and irreversible loss of exocrine function. Chronic fibrosing pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas consisting of fibrosis, acinar atrophy, and calcification. Clinically, it follows a protracted course with relapses and remissions, and is usually due to alcohol abuse or malnutrition. Chronic relapsing pancreatitis, repeated exacerbations of pancreatitis in patient with chronic inflammation of that organ. Relapses are usually due to persistence of aetiologic factor or repeated exposure to it, such as occurs with partial ductal obstruction or chronic alcoholism. (05 Mar 2000)