Ductal Pathology in Chronic PancreatitisChronic pancreatitis leads to progressive fibrosis and ductal changes predominantly in the
main pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsung).
Key imaging finding: "Chain of lakes" or "beaded" appearance on MRCP/ERCP -- alternating dilations and strictures of the main pancreatic duct.
Intraductal changes:- Protein plugs progressing to calcified stones
- Stricture formation
- Ductal hypertension causing ischemic pain
Surgical relevance: When the main pancreatic duct diameter is >7 mm (dilated), a Puestow procedure (lateral pancreaticojejunostomy) is performed to decompress the duct and relieve pain.
Accessory duct (Santorini) drains the uncinate process and opens at the minor papilla -- it is not primarily affected in chronic pancreatitis.
\[\boxed{\text{Main pancreatic duct (Wirsung) is most commonly involved in chronic pancreatitis}}\]