Calcific chronic pancreatitis. Sections of a pancreas affected by calcific 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. Calcification occurs when calcific stones, formed from an accumulation of calcium salts, are deposited in the tissue.