Abnormalities of the bile duct associated with chronic pancreatitis.

The association of abnormalities of the common bile duct with chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas is described in this report in which the important diagnostic role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is emphasized in this disease entity. ERCP was utilized as a single diagnostic modality in 27 patients (15 females) in whom both the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts were demonstrated. Abnormalities of the pancreatic duct were noted in all patients while the associated changes of the common bile duct were noted in 12 (44%--7 females). The role of ERCP in confirming the diagnosis and its importance in planning specific therapy is emphasized.