Calcifications in pancreatitis. Coloured X-ray of a patient's abdomen, showing calcific stones (dots, arrowed) suggestive of chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that alters the organ's normal structure and functions. It can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Calcific stones result from the accumulation of calcium salts in body tissue.