2- Pancreatic Disease Flashcards
Pathophys for pancreatitis involves high pancreatic levels of activated trypsin → pancreatic auto-digestion, injury, and inflammation → increased inflammation → ??
Multi-organ injury/ failure, systemic inflammatory response, death
What type of pancreatitis is defined as acute inflammation of the pancreatic parenchyma and peripancreatic tissues without necrosis?
Interstitial edematous acute pancreatitis
What type of pancreatitis is defined as inflammation a/w pancreatic parenchymal necrosis and/ or peripancreatic necrosis?
Necrotizing acute pancreatitis
What are the 2 most common etiologies of acute pancreatitis?
Gallstones and chronic alcohol abuse
What is included in the mneumonic “I get smashed” for the causes of acute pancreatitis?
Idiopathic
Gallstones
Ethanol
Trauma
Steroids
Mumps
Autoimmune
Scorpion/ snakes
Hyperlipidemia/ hypercalcemia
ERCP
Drugs
Pt presents with acute, persistent, boring and severe abd/ epigastric pain that radiates to his back. He also presents with N/V and decreased satiety/ anorexia. What are you concerned for?
Acute pancreatitis
When is acute pancreatitis typically aggravated and alleviated?
Worse w/ intake or lying supine
Better leaning forward with knees flexed
What will VS show for a pt with acute pancreatitis?
Tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, fever
Acute pancreatitis due to ileus will likely show what specific PE finding?
Abd distension, hypoactive bowels
Acute pancreatitis due to choledocholithiasis or edema of pancreatic head will likely show what specific PE finding?
Scleral icterus
Acute pancreatitis due to alcoholic abuse will likely show what specific PE finding?
Hepatomegaly
Acute pancreatitis due to hyperlipidemia will likely show what specific PE finding?
Xanthomas
Acute pancreatitis due to mumps will likely show what specific PE finding?
Parotid swelling
What 3 PE findings are specifically a/w severe necrotizing pancreatitis?
Cullen sign (periumbilical), Grey-Turner (flanks), Panniculitis (erythematous nodules)
What will lab studies for pancreatic enzymes show for a pt with acute pancreatitis?
3x ULN- amylase and lipase
Lipase more specifc to pancreatic injury
What will CRP reflect if severe pancreatitis?
> 150 mg/dL @ 48 hours
When should genetic testing for acute pancreatitis be performed?
Strong FH, < 35 at age of onset
(should have genetic counseling before and after)
What will be seen on abd XR of a pt with acute pancreatitis?
Calcified gallstones and sentinel loop
(gallstones also seen on US)
The following things should be evaluated for if dx of acute pancreatitis is not clear on what dx study?
Pancreatic ductal abns, tumors involving ampulla, pancreatic CA, microlithiasis in GB or common bile duct (CBD), early chronic pancreatitis
Endoscopic US (EUS)
When evaluating for acute pancreatitis, if the EUS (endoscopic US) is abnormal, what should you consider?
ERCP
What will a contrast enhanced CT of the abdomen show if acute pancreatitis and what does this help with?
Enlargement of pancreas, identifies severity/ complications of disease
What are some possible complications of acute pancreatitis that can be seen on abdominal CT?
Necrosis, pseudocyst, abscess, hemorrhage
Is an early CT recommended for a pt meeting clinical and laboratory criteria for acute pancreatitis?
NO
(most uncomplicated, complications appreciated 3 days post onset, IV contrast may worsen pancreatitis)
What are the advantages of using an MRCP over CT when evaluating acute pancreatitis?
Lower risk of nephrotoxicity, increased characterization, better view of biliary and pancreatic ducts
What diagnostic test is used for acute pancreatitis to visualize biliary and pancreatic ductal antomy, to obtain cytology or biopsy, and is therapeutic?
ERCP
(can remove stones or insert stent)
For suspected pancreatitis, what is the appropriate order of dx tests that should be ordered?
Abd US, EUS, MRCP
Unexplained acute pancreatitis is concerning for what? And should therefore be eval’d with contrast abd CT (pancreas protocol), MRI w/ MRCP and EUS?
Concerning for malignancy
Pt presents with recurrent pancreatitis and EUS is negative. What is the next step?
Check bile for microscopic cholesterol or bilirubinate crystals → if negative then MRCP
Diagnosis for pancreatitis requires 2 of what 3 criteria? (general)
Clinical presentation, elevated serum lipase or amylase, consistent imaging findings
What is the tx for pancreatits?
Admit, supportive/ sx, meds (pain control, abx, N/V), NPO, hydration, monitor
When monitoring a pt with pancreatis, what conditions would indicate a CT if > 72 hours after sx onset? (4)
- Persistent/ recurrent abd pain
- Increase in pancreatic enzymes after initial decrease
- New/ worsening organ dysfunction
- Sepsis (fever/ increased WBCs)