Experts agree on unified definition of fatty pancreas
A new international report published in United European Gastroenterology Journal and led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet presents the first clear definition and diagnostic criteria for fatty pancreas. The consensus aims to improve communication between clinicians, support future research and create more consistent patient care worldwide.
A multidisciplinary team of experts has developed the first standardized terminology and guidance for diagnosing and managing fatty pancreas, a condition where fat accumulates within the pancreas. The initiative, led by Karolinska Institutet researcher Miroslav Vujasinovic at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, brings together specialists from fields such as gastroenterology, radiology, pathology and endocrinology. Another KI researcher behind the report is Professor Matthias Löhr at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology.
Identfies key features and tools for diagnosis
The report identifies intralobular and extralobular fat cells as key features and highlights magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) as central tools for diagnosis. The experts agreed to use “fatty pancreas” as the preferred term to support consistent clinical evaluation.
“Until now, different clinicians and researchers have used different terms and criteria, which has made it difficult to compare studies,” says Miroslav Vujasinovic, first author of the report. “By creating a unified definition, we provide a foundation for clearer communication and more reliable diagnosis.”
May improve risk assessment for associated conditions
The publication also summarizes current knowledge about the condition’s causes, prevalence and potential links to alcohol use, smoking, pancreatitis, metabolic conditions and pancreatic neoplasms. According to the researchers, clearer diagnostic criteria may help clinicians better assess risks related to type 2 diabetes, pancreatic inflammation and the progression of precancerous cysts.
“This is an emerging field, and there are still important knowledge gaps to fill,” says Miroslav Vujasinovic. “The next step is to conduct large clinical studies using these new criteria to understand whether fatty pancreas contributes directly to disease or mainly reflects metabolic dysfunction.”
The project was carried out in collaboration with international medical societies, and the report was supported by several patient organizations. The two main funders of the study were Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University in Istanbul, and the Swedish Society for Development of Pancreatology (SweSUP). The authors report no conflicts of interest.
Publication
"International Multidisciplinary Consensus Report on Definitions, Diagnostic Criteria, and Management of Fatty Pancreas: A Joint Statement Endorsed by EPC, APA, EASD, EASL, ESGAR, ESGE, ESP, ESPCG, ESPEN, ESPGHAN, IAP, JPS, KPBA, LAPSG, and UEG", Vujasinovic M, Demir IE, Marchegiani G, Hegyi P, Archibugi L, Valente R, Capurso G, Witt H, Bonovas S, Piovani D, Rosendahl J, Maisonneuve P, Verbeke CS, Karçaaltıncaba M, Dominguez-Muñoz JE, Scheers I, Czako L, Wagner R, Rebours V, Öhlund D, Idilman IS, Overbeek K, Gubergrits N, Engjom T, Neesse A, Apte M, Bezmarević M, Braren R, Bunduc S, Ceyhan GO, Chouhan MD, Couvelard A, Cros J, Iglesia D, de-Madaria E, Drenth JPH, Drewes AM, Sarasqueta AF, Fracasso P, Francque S, Frøkjær JB, Iglesias-Garcia J, Garg P, Gerst F, Gulbinas A, Gürcinar IH, Heni M, Hyun JJ, Jonas E, Kiriukova M, Kitano M, Krag A, Laukkarinen J, Lipp M, Lovecek M, Martignoni M, Masip E, Matsumoto R, Molven A, Mozhyna T, Nosakova L, Obmann V, Ockenga J, Pandanaboyana S, Panić N, Papachristou G, Pasqua AV, Pawlak KM, Pelaez-Luna M, Regel I, Regnér S, Robinson S, Seicean A, Singh V, Smits MM, Sung MJ, Tacelli M, Taylor R, Teutsch B, Udrescu M, Wilschanski M, Yavas A, Zamboni GA, Löhr JM. United European Gastroenterol, online 14 February 2026, doi: 10.1002/ueg2.70185.