Chronic Pancreatitis By Michael Bartel, MD, PhD, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Reviewed / Revised Mar 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathogenesis Etiology Complications Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis Chronic pancreatitis is persistent inflammation of the pancreas that results in permanent structural damage with fibrosis and ductal strictures, followed by a decline in exocrine and endocrine function (pancreatic insufficiency).