This atrophied pancreas is related to chronic pancreatitis.
This is caused by a prolongued inflammation of the pancreas,with the formation of scarring tissue.
This can be caused by alcohol, hyperlipidemia,hyperparathyroidism or genetic causes.
The symptoms are: abdominal pain, nausea ,vomiting,unintentional weight loss and fatty stools. Other patients present pale stools.
This is a serious disease , that may lead to disability . The risk of death can be lowered, if the patient receives the adequate treatment and avoid the consumption of alcohol.
The treatment consist in:
eating a low fat diet
getting enough fat soluble vitamins and calcium
insulin to control blood sugar levels
supplemental pancreatic enzymes
and pain medication
The true prevalence of pancreatic atrophy is not known, ranges between 0.04 -5 % of the patient population.