Assessment of a Rapid Pancreatic Isoamylase Assay as a Screening Test for Chronic Pancreatic Disease

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Abstract
A new, rapid assay for pancreatic isoamylase (PIA) was evaluated in normal subjects and patients with either proven chronic pancreatic disease or diseases in which chronic pancreatitis commonly enters the differential diagnosis. A wide normal range limited the diagnostic usefulness of the test. In nonpancreatic disease the serum levels of PIA were normal in 107 of 109 patients with nonpancreatic disease, but only 3 of 16 patients with chronic pancreatitis and proven exocrine insufficiency had a low PIA level, and variable levels occurred in pancreatic carcinoma. Measurement of serum PIA is probably of limited value as a screening test for chronic pancreatic disease.