Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers of Chronic Pancreatitis: A Conceptual Framework Based on the PRoBE Design

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is defined by clinical evidence of chronic fibroinflammatory pancreatic injury usually preceded by acute pancreatitis (AP) or recurrent AP. Clinical manifestations include AP, diabetes, exocrine insufficiency, metabolic bone disease, and pancreatic cancer.1 Abdominal pain, the most common symptom, significantly affects quality of life.2 Diagnosing CP relies on cross-sectional imaging features, which are not apparent until later stages. Additionally, the variable clinical presentation and course of CP make reliable diagnosis challenging.