Acute and chronic pancreatic disease associated with Yersinia enterocolitica infection: a Norwegian 10-year follow-up study of 458 hospitalized patients.

During the period 1974-1983, Yersinia enterocolitica infection was diagnosed in 458 hospitalized patients by antibody response or isolation of the micro-organism. Eight (1.75%) patients showed signs of acute pancreatitis with elevated serum or urine levels of amylase; two patients had acute insulin-dependent diabetes. The patients were followed up for 4-14 years (until 1987). Four patients were readmitted with chronic pancreatitis, and one with acute pancreatitis. Diabetes developed in two males and nine females; in seven cases this was associated with chronic conditions of possible autoimmune aetiology. In 1987 a significantly higher than expected prevalence of diabetes was demonstrated among female subjects aged 30-54 years. Yersinia enterocolitica infection constitutes a differential diagnosis in acute pancreatitis, and might be related to the development of chronic pancreatitis and diabetes.