Histopathological Changes in Liver of Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis Requiring Surgical Intervention and Their Clinical Significance

Abstract

Objectives The histopathological changes in the liver and their clinical implication in chronic pancreatitis (CP) have not been studied well. We analyzed the incidence, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of these changes in CP. Methods Chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent surgery with intraoperative liver biopsy from 2012 to 2018 formed the study group. Based on liver histopathology, 3 groups were formed: normal liver, group NL; fatty liver, group FL; and inflammation/fibrosis, group FS. The risk factors and long-term outcomes, including mortality, were evaluated. Results Among 73 patients, 39 (53.4%) had idiopathic, and 34 (46.6%) had alcoholic CP. The median age was 32 years, 52 (71.2%) were males and comprised NL, n = 40 (55%); FL, n = 22 (30%); and FS, n = 11 (15%). The preoperative risk factors were comparable among NL and FL groups. Overall 14 of 73 patients (19.2%) (NL, 5 of 40; FL, 5 of 22; FS, 4 of 11 [P = 0.82]) had died at median follow-up of 36 months (range, 25–85 months). The main causes of mortality were tuberculosis and severe malnutrition secondary to pancreatic insufficiency. Conclusions The mortality is higher in patients with inflammation/fibrosis or steatosis in liver biopsy, and such patients need monitoring for progression of liver disease and pancreatic insufficiency.