Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have published new data on autoimmune pancreatitis therapy

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March 16th, 2009

   2009 MAR 16 -- A new study, 'The role of Movat pentachrome stain and immunoglobulin G4 immunostaining in the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis,' is now available. "Autoimmune pancreatitis is highly responsive to steroid therapy, but because it mimics pancreatic cancer, it often precipitates unnecessary surgery. Adequate diagnostic tests are needed to permit appropriate medical therapy," investigators in the United States report.

   "Lymphocytic and obliterative phlebitis are reported in the majority of cases, as are elevated IgG4-positive plasma cells, indicating their high sensitivity. Their specificities, especially when used in conjunction, however, remain largely unknown. Movat pentachrome vascular and IgG4 immunohistochemical stains were performed on a total of 15 autoimmune pancreatitis cases (11 pancreatic resections and 4 biopsies), 39 usual-type alcoholic or idiopathic chronic pancreatitis cases, 35 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma-associated chronic pancreatitis cases, and 29 normal pancreata. Marked and diffuse lymphocytic and obliterative venulitis were detected in all 15 cases of autoimmune pancreatitis on Movat staining (100% sensitivity). Only a single carcinoma-associated chronic pancreatitis case among all of the controls showed diffuse benign venulitis that was nonobliterative (99% specificity). Nine of 13, 9 autoimmune pancreatitis cases showed marked IgG4 immunopositivity at >or=10 positive plasma cells per x 400 field (69% sensitivity). No increased IgG4 plasma cells were found in any of 103 controls (100% specificity). In combination, all of the autoimmune pancreatitis cases had at least one (13/13) and most had both markers (9/13), whereas none of the controls had both markers. Overall, these combined stains show very promising diagnostic utility and should be considered in combination with clinical and serologic analyses in the evaluation of chronic pancreatitis suspicious for malignancy," wrote K.E. Chu and colleagues, Cleveland Clinic.

   The researchers concluded: "Future validating studies on preoperative biopsies with outcome data following steroid therapy will be essential."

   Chu and colleagues published their study in Modern Pathology (The role of Movat pentachrome stain and immunoglobulin G4 immunostaining in the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. Modern Pathology, 2009;22(3):351-8).

   For additional information, contact K.E. Chu, Cleveland Clinic, Dept. of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland OH 44195 USA..

   The publisher of the journal Modern Pathology can be contacted at: Nature Publishing Group, 345 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1707, USA.

   Keywords: United States, Autoimmune Pancreatitis Therapy, Addiction Medicine, Adenocarcinoma, Alcoholism, Autoimmune Disease, Autoimmune Disorder, Autoimmune Pancreatitis, Chronic Pancreatitis, Diagnostics, Gastroenterology, Immunology, Mental Health, Oncology, Pancreas, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Neoplasms, Pathology, Phlebitis, Surgery, Therapy, Treatment.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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