Acute Pancreatitis Flashcards
What does the pancreas do?
- neutralizes acidic chyme (secretes 1.5-3L of alkaline fluid daily
- digestion of proteins (trypsin, chymotrypsin) and fats (amylase, lipase)
How does the pancreas manage glucose levels?
releases insulin when blood glucose is too high;
releases glucagon when blood glucose is too low
How does the pancreas manage hormones?
- secretin stimulates ductal cells to secrete bicarb-rich fluid
- cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulates acinar cells to secrete digestive enzymes
What type of neural control does the pancreas have?
autonomic innervation (parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve fibers)
What enzymes are increased with inflammation and have a non-specific pathology?
Amylase
Lipase
Why is an x-ray the initial test for acute pancreatitis?
pancreas looks abnormal in acute and chronic pancreatitis
What can an ultrasound of the pancreas show?
- edema
- inflammation
- calcification
- masses
What can a CT scan with contrast show?
visualizes necrosis and fluid collections
What can an MRCP show?
3-D view of necrosis and fluid collections
(best imaging)
What is the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
acute- inflammation
chronic- fibrosis
What is the cause of acute pancreatitis?
- autodigestion (unregulated activation of trypsin)
- inflammation (activated complement and kinin pathways)
What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis?
Obstruction
1. Gallstones
2. duodenal obstruction
3. chron’s
What toxins can cause acute pancreatitis?
- alcohol
- medications
- scorpion bite
Why does obstruction cause pancreatitis?
increased ductal pressure leads to the activation of pancreatic enzymes
What antibiotic can cause biliary sludging?
Ceftriaxone