Pancreatic stones Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Pancreatic Stones Overview Pancreatic stones are hard, calcified deposits that form in the pancreas, typically within the pancreatic ducts. These stones can vary in size and composition and are sometimes referred to as pancreatic calculi. They are most often associated with chronic pancreatitis, though they can also occur in other pancreatic disorders. Here's a more detailed look at pancreatic stones: Causes and risk factors Chronic pancreatitis: The most common underlying condition for pancreatic stone formation. Inflammation of the pancreas leads to damage to the ductal structures, promoting stone formation.Alcohol abuse: Long-term alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for chronic pancreatitis, which in turn increases the likelihood of stone formation.Genetic factors: Hereditary forms of pancreatitis (such as those linked to mutations in the PRSS1 gene) can predispose individuals to developing pancreatic stones.Obstruction of the pancreatic duct: Blockage or narrowing of the duct can lead to stagnation of pancreatic juices, creating an environment conducive to stone formation.Hypercalcaemia: Elevated levels of calcium in the blood may lead to the formation of calcified pancreatic stones.Other factors: Disorders like cystic fibrosis, autoimmune pancreatitis, or ductal obstruction due to a tumour can contribute to stone formation. Symptoms Pancreatic stones may be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. However, they can lead to several symptoms if they obstruct the pancreatic ducts or cause inflammation. These symptoms include:Chronic abdominal pain: Often in the upper abdomen, typically aggravated by eating.Jaundice: Due to obstruction of the bile duct if the stones are located near the common bile duct.Nausea and vomiting: In some cases.Steatorrhea (fatty stools): Caused by malabsorption due to pancreatic insufficiency.Weight loss: Resulting from malnutrition or insufficient digestion of food.Diabetes: The inflammation and damage to the pancreas can affect insulin production. Diagnosis Pancreatic stones are typically diagnosed through imaging studies:CT Scan: Can reveal calcifications in the pancreas, which are indicative of stones.MRI or MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography): These techniques provide detailed images of the pancreatic duct and can identify stones as well as any ductal dilation or narrowing.Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): This is highly sensitive for detecting small stones that may not be visible on CT scans or MRCP.ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography): A diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that can visualise and sometimes treat the stones, especially when they are causing obstruction. Treatment Conservative management: For small, asymptomatic stones, treatment may not be necessary, but managing the underlying cause (e.g., treating pancreatitis or correcting hypercalcaemia) is important.Pain management: For patients with chronic pain, pain relief strategies, such as analgesics, may be employed.Endoscopic stone removal: In cases where the stones are causing obstruction, endoscopic procedures like ERCP can be used to remove or fragment the stones.Surgical intervention: If stones are large or causing significant complications, surgery may be required to remove the stones or even part of the pancreas (pancreatectomy).Pancreatic enzyme replacement: In cases where pancreatic insufficiency develops, enzyme replacement therapy can help with digestion and absorption.Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding alcohol, following a low-fat diet, and maintaining good hydration can help reduce the risk of future stones.