This report deals with the onset of Giardia-induced, primary malabsorption in patients with chronic pancreatitis. To our knowledge, this association has been reported only once previously. A further review of the literature suggests that malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis may be susceptible to G lamblia infection. Therapy for giardiasis rapidly reverses the diarrhea, malabsorption, and edema seen in these patients.