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Chronic pancreatitis pain — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateInternal Medicine (chronic management)Chronic pancreatitis painUSMLE Step 3

A 52-year-old man with chronic pancreatitis from prior alcohol use has steatorrhea, weight loss, and epigastric pain after meals. He has stopped alcohol. CT shows pancreatic calcifications without mass. Fecal elastase is low. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Start pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency from chronic pancreatitis causes steatorrhea and weight loss and is treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement.

Reference: American College of Gastroenterology chronic pancreatitis guideline: https://gi.org/