Treatment of Autoimmune Pancreatitis in Idiopathic Duct-Centric Pancreatitis (Type 2 AIP)

This protocol applies specifically to patients with a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic duct-centric pancreatitis (IDCP) — the entity classified internationally as type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis — and does not apply to type 1 AIP, which is a distinct condition with different natural history and management requirements.

The international consensus diagnostic criteria (ICDC) classify autoimmune pancreatitis as type 1 (lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis), type 2 (IDCP), or AIP not otherwise specified. Because of significant differences between type 1 and type 2 AIP in natural history, diagnostic criteria, and management, the term "AIP" is conventionally restricted to the type 1 form, while type 2 is separately designated as IDCP. This protocol is specific to the IDCP/type 2 diagnosis.

First-line management of IDCP involves a defined course of oral corticosteroid therapy, structured as an induction phase followed by a systematic taper. The complete regimen — including the specific agent, dosing structure, and taper sequence — is available in the full protocol below.