Pancreatic disease in children and adolescents.

Many childhood pancreatic disorders are rare, although they can represent significant and potentially severe disease. The spectrum of disease is very broad, ranging from the complex and bizarre congenital anomalies to the more typical acquired causes (e.g., drug-induced pancreatitis or trauma injury). Genetics appears to play a major role in many childhood pancreas diseases, unlike adults where alcohol is a major factor. Nevertheless, there are similarities, and most of the disorders discussed here can be found in both the pediatric and adult age groups. Some of these disorders may be evolving and may be seen in both young and older patients. Newer imaging modalities and therapeutic endoscopy continue to be studied, although their ultimate role and utility in children has yet to be fully elucidated.