Elastic fibers of pancreatic ductal systems in pancreatitis.

In an attempt to clarify the etiology of idiopathic pancreatitis, 14 cases of chronic idiopathic pancreatitis were histologically examined. A nest of small cysts consisting of cystic, distended pancreatic ductules with a complete lack of elastic fibers in the wall was observed in 3 out of 14 cases. Studies were then focused on the behavior of elastic fibers in pancreatic ductal system in 100 cases of normal pancreas, 55 cases of chronic pancreatitis and 10 cases of pancreatolithiasis. Partial hypoplasia and/or aplasia of elastic fibers in the walls of pancreatic ductules were demonstrated with a frequency of 30% in normal pancreas, 36.3% in pancreatitis and 50% in pancreatolithiasis cases. Formation of a nest of small cysts wad detected in 4 cases of normal pancreas, 3 cases of pancreatitis and 1 case of pancreatolithiasis. It was presumed that these abnormalities of elastic fibers and formation of small cysts containing inspissated secretions might act as potential etiologic or aggravating factors in pancreatitis by a mechanism of either disturbing normal pancreatic outlow or changing pressure in the duct.