Hereditary Pancreatitis

People who have hereditary pancreatitis typically experience their first attack by the age of 20, but it can occur later in life. The most common symptom of hereditary pancreatitis is upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition and diabetes.

Hereditary pancreatitis is a genetic disorder, which means that it runs in families. Most people with hereditary pancreatitis have a mutation to the cationic tryspinogen gene, also called PRSS1. There are a few different types of known mutations of this gene that are linked to hereditary pancreatitis. However, because some families with a strong history of pancreatitis may not carry any of the known mutations, scientists believe that other genes and mutations may also be linked to familial pancreatitis.

Not every family member who has the mutation will develop the disease. Some people who have the mutation and pancreatitis are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer and, therefore, should consult a pancreatic specialist for assessment.

In cases of hereditary pancreatitis, physicians use many of the same tests performed for acute and chronic pancreatitis. Once pancreatitis is established, a final diagnosis of hereditary pancreatitis is made when the genetic mutation PRSS1 is found.

Your personal and family medical histories are an important part of the evaluation. If there is a strong family history of pancreatic disease or no other cause for the pancreatitis can be found, the next step is to perform genetic tests. Genetic testing is done to determine if you have a specific mutation of a gene (cationic tryspinogen or PRSS1) that is linked to hereditary pancreatitis. A blood sample is all that's required to perform the test. We recommend that you meet with our genetic counselor prior to obtaining a genetic test. This consultation will help you understand the implications of having a positive test result.

Currently, there is no cure for genetic diseases. Our physicians tailor treatments for hereditary pancreatitis according to symptoms. Patients with hereditary pancreatitis are at much higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. So it is vitally important to stop smoking, because tobacco use greatly increases this risk. People with hereditary pancreatitis are encouraged to stop drinking alcohol, as this substance can worsen pain and other symptoms.

When these treatments are not enough, surgery may help alleviate symptoms and improve pancreatic function. Sometimes the pain and other complications associated with hereditary pancreatitis require that the pancreas be removed. UChicago Medicine offers autologous islet cell transplantation, a unique treatment that enables patients with pancreatitis to undergo pancreas resection to alleviate severe pain without the fear of developing brittle diabetes. This option is particularly attractive for patients with hereditary pancreatitis, because patients with this condition are otherwise at a much higher risk of developing pancreas cancer over time. Total pancreatectomy eliminates this risk.

Studies show that patients who have had pancreatic resections by experienced surgeons at hospitals like the UChicago Medicine — where many such procedures are performed every year — fare better than people who have the same procedure at smaller hospitals with a lower volume of cases. UChicago Medicine is home to gastrointestinal surgeons, clinical pancreatologists and islet isolation laboratory specialists who are renowned for their expertise in performing complex pancreatic operations, separating insulin-producing cells and for providing long-term outpatient care. 

Hereditary pancreatitis is a chronic, progressive disease, which means patients may experience symptoms for several months or years. There is no cure. Yet it's important to know that if you have hereditary pancreatitis, there is a lot you and your doctor can do to improve how you feel. Be sure to follow your physician's instructions for a diet that can alleviate some symptoms. Take your medications as prescribed to help reduce pain and encourage healing of the pancreas.