23rd April 2024

A 28-year-old male with a history of alcoholism has recently been investigated for chronic pancreatitis

A 28-year-old male with a history of alcoholism has recently been investigated for chronic pancreatitis due to recurrent bouts of abdominal pain and loose stools. He has been losing weight despite giving up alcohol a few months ago. A recent CT scan did not demonstrate any evidence of malignancy. It comments on pancreatic atrophy with areas of pancreatic calcifications.

Faecal elastase is 85 ug/g (reference range 200 to >500 ug/g).

What is the most appropriate next step in this patient’s management?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.