Acute and chronic Pancreatitis +pancreatic carcinoma Flashcards
Aetiology of acute pancreatitis
Acute inflammation
Primary insult
Release of activated pancreatic enzyme
Auto digestion
RF for acute pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse Gallstones Trauma -blunt -post op -post ERCP (endoscopy looking at pancreas and bileduct) Drugs Viruses Carcinoma Metabolic (Inc. Ca, triglycerides, dec. temp) Autoimmune Idiopathic
Ix for acute pancreatitis
Bloods -amylase/lipase -U+E -LFTs -ABGs -AXR and CXR -abdo US -CT Glasgow criteria score >3=acute severe pancreatitis CRP>150mg/L
Tx for acute pancreatitis
Analgesia IV fluids Blood transfusion if Hb<10g/L Monitor urine output via catheter NG tube O2 May need insulin
If gallstones are present
EUS
MRCP
ERCP
If an abscess is present
Antibiotics
Drainage
If a psuedocyst is present Tx
Fluid collection without an epithelial lining Persistent hyperamylasia and/or pain Complications -jaundice -infection -haemorrhage -rupture
If its less than 6cm in diameter then it may resolve spontaneously
Endoscopic drainage or surgery of persistant pain or complications
What is the definition of chronic pancreatitis?
Inflammatory disease characterised by irreversible glandular destruction and typically causing pain and or loss of function
The genes associated with pancreatitis
PRSS1
SPINK1
CFTR
3 reasons for duct obstructions
Calculi
Inflammation
Protein plugs
Causes of abnormal sphincter of Oddi function
Spasm=increased pancreatic pressure
Relaxation=reflux of duodenal contents
What do genetic polymorphisms lead to
Abnormal trypsin activation
What happens physiologically for chronic pancreatitis
Glandular atrophy and replacement by fibrous tissue
Ducts become dilated, torturous and strictured
Inspissated (thickened or congealed) secretions may calcify
Splenic, superior mesenteric veins maybe thrombose>portal hypertension
S+S for chronic pancreatitis
Early disease is asymptomatic Abdominal pain Weight loss Exocrine insuffiency (fat malabsorption=steatorrhea, dec.fat soluble vitamins=dec.Ca+Mg, protein malabsorption=weight loss, dec B12) Endocrine insuffiency=diabetes in 30%
Jaundice Portal hypertension GI haemorrhage Pseudocysts Pancreatic carcinoma
Ix for chronic pancreatitis
AXR US -pancreatic size -cysts -duct diameter -tumours CT scan Bloods -serum amylase increased in acute exacerbations -dec. albumin, prothrombin time and glucose -increased LFTs Pancreatic function tests (Lundh)