Pancreatic Lipase - Diagnostic Importance

Diagnostic Importance

Pancreatic lipase is secreted into the duodenum through the duct system of the pancreas. Normally its concentration in serum is very low. Under extreme disruption of pancreatic function, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the pancreas may begin to autolyse and release pancreatic enzymes including pancreatic lipase into serum. Thus, through measurement of serum concentration of pancreatic lipase, acute pancreatitis can be diagnosed.