11.1 Exocrine Pancreas Flashcards
Annular Pancreas
Developmental malformation that leads the pancreas to wrap around the duodenum and obstruct it
Acute Pancreatitis
Inflammation and hemorrhage of the pancreas that is due to autosuggestion of pancreas by pancreatic enzymes which is due to premature trypsin activation
Why type of necrosis is seen with pancreatitis?
- Liquefactive
- Fat Necrosis
What are the most common causes of pancreatitis?
Alcohol and gall stones
How does alcohol cause pancreatitis?
Alcohol causes contraction of the Sphincter of Oddi which decreases the drainage of the pancreas
How can hypercalcemia cause pancreatitis?
Ca2+ activates enzymes which can lead to the premature activation of trypsin
What are the clinical features of acute pancreatitis?
Epigastric pain that radiates to the back
What will be seen on labs of pancreatitis?
Elevation of serum lipase and amylase - sometimes hypocalcemia
What are some of the complications of pancreatitis?
- Shock
- Pseudocyst
- DIC and ARDS
Chronic Pancreatitis
Fibrosis of pancreatic parenchyma secondary to recurrent acute pancreatitis
What are the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis in adults and children?
Adults - alcohol
Children - cystic fibrosis
What are the clinical features of chronic pancreatitis?
Epigastric pain radiating to the back with stratorrhea and calcification of the pancreas - can have malabsorption of vitamins D, E, K and A
Pancreatic Carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma from pancreatic ducts that is most commonly seen in the elderly
What are the risk factors for pancreatic carcinoma?
Smoking and chronic pancreatitis
What are the presentations of pancreatic carcinoma?
- Epigastric pain
- Obstructive jaundice with pale stools (head)
- Secondary diabetes (body or tail)
