Idiopathic acute pancreatitis: the value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Acute pancreatitis is classified as idiopathic when an underlying cause cannot be identified through a careful history and appropriate noninvasive tests. Unless a cause can be identified, recurrent attacks cannot be effectively prevented. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed in 35 patients considered to have idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis, and an anatomic abnormality of either the pancreatic or biliary ductal system was demonstrated in 16. Ten underwent appropriate surgical procedures based on the results of ERCP, and 80% had no further episodes of acute pancreatitis. ERCP established the precise nature of potentially correctable anomalies and thereby facilitated precise preoperative planning. The wider use of ERCP in these patients may lessen the number of cases of acute pancreatitis considered to be idiopathic and lead to appropriate surgical therapy.