AIP can occur by itself or in association with other autoimmune diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cirrhosis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and Sjögren's syndrome. The most common sign of autoimmune pancreatitis, present in about 80 percent of people, is painless jaundice, caused by blocked bile ducts. AIP can also cause weight loss. .Type 1 AIP responds rapidly to treatment with steroids. Type 1 AIP is likely to relapse if treatment is discontinued. Tests of your pancreas and other organs may include CT, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograph (ERCP). Blood tests. You will be tested for elevated levels of an immunoglobulin called IgG4, produced by your system. Fried or heavily processed foods, like french fries and fast-food hamburgers, are some of the worst offenders. Organ meats, full-fat dairy, potato chips, and mayonnaise also top the list of foods to limit. Cooked or deep-fried foods might trigger a flare-up of pancreatitis. There are multiple conditions within the abdomen that can mimic acute pancreatitis,” Dr. Rendon said. “There could be an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, or an obstruction of the intestines. Abdominal aortic aneurysm can also occur in that area, and liver inflammation can produce similar signs.
