Acute pancreatitis

Question 1

Pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis?

Answer 1

• Autodigestion of pancreatic tissue by pancreatic enzymes leading to necrosis
• Usually due to alcohol or gallstones

Question 2

What are the features of Acute pancreatitis?

Answer 2

• Epigastric pain -> back
• Vomiting
• Tenderness, ileus and low grade fever
• Cullens and grey turners sign

Question 3

What is cullens sign?

Answer 3

Periumbilical discolouration

Question 4

What is grey turners sign?

Answer 4

Flank bruising / discolouration

Question 5

What are the invesitgations for acute pancreatits?

Answer 5

Raised serum amylase

Question 6

Name a scoring system for pancreatitis?

Answer 6

Glasgow scale of pancreatitis severeity (PANCREAS)

Question 7

Features of the Glasgow scale of pancreatitis severity?

Answer 7

• PANCREAS
  
  • PaO2 <7.9
  • Age >55
  • Neutrophils (WBC >15)
  • Calcium (hypocalcaemia)
  • Renal function (Urea > 16)
  • Enzymes LDH > 600
  • Albumin <32
  • Sugar (blood glucose > 10)