Selective deficiency of pancreatic amylase. Issue 5 (May 1991)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sjölund, K; Häggmark, A; Ihse, I; Skude, G; Kärnström, U; Wikander, M
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 32:Issue 5(1991)
• Page Start: 546
• Page End: 548
• Publication Date: 1991-05
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.32.5.546
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Two patients with specific pancreatic amylase deficiency are described. The greatly reduced pancreatic amylase activity was not due to an enzymatically inactive amylase molecule but to an almost complete absence of the molecule itself. The findings are of diagnostic importance as they show that low pancreatic amylase activity in serum or duodenal aspirates, or both, does not necessarily represent chronic exocrine pancreatic disease such as chronic pancreatitis, carcinoma of the pancreas, or cystic fibrosis but may be an isolated finding. In one of our patients a familial occurrence was shown, indicating a congenital deficiency.