Yes, early stage is much more difficult to dx-but in early stage the lipase is almost always elevated to some degree, while late stage you experience burn out of the enzymes hence they dont often rise. Late stage however will show on an EUS, early stage or minimal change does not often. So its actually more difficult, but an increase in lipase, even if constantly small increase does indicate your pancreas (though some other diseases can cause a slight rise). I was essentially dx due to constant slight rise in labs, along with classic symptoms of pain, and malabsorption of stools-though my scans always clear.
Hi. I'm interested in this because while lipase and amylase are supposed to increase, I was reading some stuff and it seems that may be more from late stage chronic pancreatitis.
What if you have early stage? Isn't that more difficult to determine?
Have you been checked for autoimmune pancreatitis?
Hi, understand your concern. With pancreatitis usually the lipase and amylase values are increased many folds. And if chronic the imaging studies will usually show pancreatic fibrosis. In the absence of these findings its unlikely that you have chronic pancreatitis. The other causes for the pain could be infections of the bowel and bladder, prolapsed intervertebral disc or inflammatory diseases of the colon. So, if your symptoms persist discuss these options with your doctor. Regards.