Acute Pancreatitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is acute pancreatitis?
A
Aberrant release of pancreatic exocrine enzymes
2
Q
Major causes of acute pancreatitis?
A
Acinar cell injury and duct obstruction
3
Q
What three mechanisms generally protect the acinar cells from th enzymes?
A
- Enzymes physically isolated from the cytosol by intacellular cavitary system
- Many digestive enzymes are synthesized as inactive
- Specific enzyme inhibitors tend to protect the pancreas
4
Q
What is a condition that almost half of patients with pancreatitis concurrently have?
A
Gallstones
5
Q
With what activity does 1/3 of these patients get pancreatitis?
A
Chronic alcohol abuse
6
Q
Most prominent uscopic findings in acute pancreatitis?
A
Acinar cell and fat necrosis, often with some degree of acute inflammation
7
Q
Clinical Syx of acute pancreatits?
A
Epigastric pain referred to the upper back, N/V
8
Q
What is Dx for acute pancreatitis?
A
Elevated serum amylase and lipase w/i 24-72 hrs
