Background A definition of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is needed for diagnosis and
distinguishing CP from other disorders. Previous definitions focused on morphology.
Advances in epidemiology, genetics, molecular biology, modeling and other disciplines
provide new insights into pathogenesis of CP, and allow CP to be better defined. Methods
Expert physician-scientists from the United States, India, Europe and Japan reviewed
medical and scientific literature and clinical experiences. Competing views and approaches …