Research Progress on Clinical Features of Pancreatic Damage Associated with Systemic Autoimmune Disease

Systemic autoimmune diseases represent a group of disorders characterized by loss of immune tolerance to self-antigens, leading to abnormal immune responses and subsequent tissue damage. Typical examples include systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. These conditions are marked by multi-system involvement, chronic progression, and recurrent flares. The pancreas, as a vital digestive and endocrine organ rich in glandular tissue and vascular supply, can also be affected by autoimmune processes. Pancreatic injury often indicates active and difficult-to-control disease, posing a serious threat to patient survival. Due to its relative rarity, diverse underlying mechanisms across different autoimmune diseases, and frequently nonspecific clinical presentations, pancreatic involvement is easily overlooked, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment.This article focuses on the clinical features and potential pathophysiological mechanisms of pancreatic injury associated with autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to enhance clinical awareness and facilitate early recognition and diagnosis of this condition.