*Biliary tract and pancreas disorders 3 (Lecture 11) Flashcards
What are the 3 main pancreatic diseases?
Acute pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic tumours
What are the 5 parts of the pancreas?
Uncinate process Head Neck Body Tail
What do alpha islet cells release?
Glucagon
What do Beta islet cells release?
Insulin
What do Delta islet cells release?
somatostatin
What do PP cels release?
Pancreatic polypeptide
What are the 2 categories of acute pancreatitis?
Mild acute
Severe acute
What is the predominant feature of mild acute pancreatitis?
interstitial oedema of the gland
Associated with minimal organ dysfunction and an uneventful recovery
What is severe acute pancreatitis?
Associated with organ failure and/ or local complications such as necrosis (with infection), pseudocyst or abscess
What viral infections can cause acute pancreatitis?
Mumps
Coxsackie B (can cause hand foot and mouth disease)
Viral hepatitis
What other factor can cause acute pancreatitis apart from GET SMASHED?
Genetic factors
What genetic factors can cause acute pancreatitis?
Cationic trypsinogen gene
CF gene
What drugs can cause pancreatitis? (4)
Valproic acid
Azathioprine
L-asparaginase
Corticosteroids
What autoimmune disease can cause pancreatitis?
IgG4-related autoimmune disease
What causes necrosis of the pancreas during pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the parenchyma causing hypoperfusion
How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed?
History (e.g. gallstones, alcohol, drugs, trauma, infection, ERCP)
Examination
Blood tests
Imaging
What is peritonism?
having the clinical signs of shock and peritonitis
Possible examination findings for acute pancreatitis? (5)
Tenderness Peritonism Distension Bowel sounds Skin markings
Blood tests performed to look for acute percents?
FBC Clotting U&Es LFTs Amylase CRP Glucose Ca
Imaging for acute pancreatitis? (5)
CXR/AXR AUS CT pancreas MRI ERCP
Findings on AXR suggestive of possible AP? (2)
Pleural effusion
Sentinel loop
What is a sentinel loop?
dilatation of a segment of small intestine
What is the purpose of carrying out an US for AP?
To rule out biliary pancreatitis Look for: Gallstones Cholecystitis CBD diameter Free fluid
What is the purpose of carrying out a CT scan for acute pancreatitis?
Assess severity of pancreatitis
Decide on interventions and follow up
Look for complications (e.g. fluid collection, necrosis, ascites, bleeding, abscess)