Clinically, autoimmune pancreatitis can manifest with symptoms related to biliary or pancreatic involvement. Patients can present with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, with or without attacks of pancreatitis. Obstructive jaundice is a common presentation that can be accompanied by non-specific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss depending on the degree of biliary or pancreatic strictures and involvement.[13] A physical examination can be non-revealing, except for mild jaundice, but can help in ruling out an alternate diagnosis, causing abdominal pain. 

Patients can also have manifestations of other organ system involvement such as salivary glands, thyroid, renal involvement in association with autoimmune pancreatitis, usually as a part of systemic IgG4 related disorders.

The international consensus diagnostic criteria (ICDC) for autoimmune pancreatitis include imaging of the pancreas and pancreatic duct, serologic studies including IgG4 levels, histopathology, as well as the presence of other associated conditions.[14] The evaluation of patients with suspected AIP involves laboratory tests, including complete blood count and a comprehensive metabolic panel, including liver and kidney function tests. An obstructive pattern of transaminitis with elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels may be noted. 

Imaging of biliary and pancreatic systems can be done with CT scan or MRI, which also help to evaluate for alternate diagnoses. MRI scans along with cholangiopancreatogram (MRCP) are generally considered superior to evaluate for size, textures, enhancement with contrast as well as the presence of strictures.[15] When expertise is available, endoscopic ultrasound of the pancreas is favored because of its utility in imaging, image-enhancing techniques, and the ability to acquire tissue through fine needle aspiration or biopsy.[16][17]

There is limited data on the treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis, and most of it is based on observational studies. Most patients are seen to respond to corticosteroid therapy, which leads to improvement of symptoms as well as a reduction in complications of AIP.[18] In patients presenting with obstructive jaundice and sclerosing cholangitis, early initiation of corticosteroids is recommended.[18] It has been suggested that lack of improvement with corticosteroids could hint towards the possibility of alternate diagnoses such as pancreatic malignancy.[19]

Relapse of AIP or failure to wean steroids may occur in up to half of the patients, especially in IgG4-related AIP requiring long term steroids or use of steroid-sparing agents. Azathioprine has been shown to be effective in patients to help in weaning steroid therapy.[20] Patients with biliary strictures are also at high risk for relapse after withdrawal of steroid therapy.[13] The role of other immunomodulators to treat frequent relapses of AIP, which is more common in type I AIP, is still being debated, and because of lack of established guidelines, therapy needs to be tailored in individual patients.[21] 

One of the important differentials that need to be ruled out before initiating treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis is pancreatic cancer. It may be difficult to differentiate the two based on clinical presentation or imaging findings alone.[22] Histopathological examination can be of yield and is preferred as a part of diagnostic criteria before initiating treatment of AIP.

Other differential diagnoses that need to be considered are other causes of biliary tract obstruction such as choledocholithiasis, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cysts, scarring, or other pathologies that can contribute to the obstruction of pancreatic ducts.

Autoimmune pancreatitis responds generally well to treatment with corticosteroids and has a favorable prognosis. A majority of cases exhibit remission with steroids and the rate of complications is also reported to improve significantly with treatment. The cases of AIP which have a concurrent pancreatic tumor are challenging to treat and carry worse prognosis that can be associated with the need for pancreatic resection.[22]

Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis may present as pancreatic relapse in a few patients. There have been reports of the incidence of pancreatic cancer on the surveillance of patients with AIP; however, the association of AIP with malignancies is not established.[23] In cases that fail treatment or if there is suspicion of concurrent malignancy, surgical resection remains an option, and surgery can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality.[24]

The other complications of AIP are related to the worsening of biliary strictures and if untreated, significant obstructive jaundice. There can also be complications related to long-term treatment with steroids, failure to wean steroids, or other complications secondary to immunomodulatory therapy. 

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a condition that is characterized by inflammation in the pancreas, which is thought to be caused by the body's immune system attacking its pancreas. This immune-mediated inflammation results in scarring of the pancreas, which can manifest with obstruction or narrowing of drainage from the pancreas as well as the biliary tract. It can present with frequent episodes of abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin.

Diagnosis is suggested by blood investigations in addition to imaging of the pancreas with a CT scan or MRI. In addition, an ultrasound done through an endoscope can be performed to obtain a better look of the pancreas, and the surrounding structures and a needle biopsy can be obtained that reveal underlying inflammation. Treatment includes medications to suppress the body's immune system, mainly steroids, and the condition responds well to steroids. In certain cases, stopping steroids can cause a relapse of the condition, and it may be necessary to continue steroids or use other medications that suppress and modulate the body's immune reaction.

Autoimmune pancreatitis can present with a diagnostic challenge because of nonspecific presentation with symptoms of abdominal pain, frequent episodes similar to acute pancreatitis. Patients can present to their primary care providers or in an emergency setting with the complaints. Diagnostic workup involves multidisciplinary approach including gastroenterologists for possible endoscopic intervention, radiologists for imaging as well as rheumatologists for evaluation of other associated autoimmune conditions. The role of nursing is also vital as a member of the interprofessional group with monitoring vital signs and education of patients and their family members.

With a thorough evaluation and after ruling out differential diagnoses such as pancreatic malignancy, patients need continuous follow up with their providers to assess response to immunosuppressant therapy. Care coordination in both inpatient and outpatient settings remains critical to enhance healthcare outcomes of the condition and to reduce associated morbidity and improve patient quality of life.