Tropical pancreatitis

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Tropical pancreatitis is a subtype of chronic pancreatitis associated with SPINK1 gene mutation, tropical countries, and the young age of onset. There are characteristic, large ductal calculi, which may measure up to a few centimeters in size. This is in contrast to the small, speckled calculi more commonly seen in chronic pancreatitis. Most patients are clinically present with malnutrition and steatorrhea . Additionally, there is a 20-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer development.