Chronic Pancreatitis

Question 1

ESSENCE

Answer 1

Chronic inflammation of pancreas, resulting in fibrosis and reduced function

Question 2

AETIOLOGY

Most common cause

Answer 2

Alcohol

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation

Answer 3

Same as acute pancreatitis, but less intense and longer lasting

Question 4

COMPLICATIONS

Answer 4

• Chronic epigastric pain
• Loss of exocrine function - lack of enzymes like lipase into GI tract
• Loss of endocrine function - lack of insulin causing diabetes
• Damage and strictures to duct system causing obstruction
• Formation pseudocysts or abscess

Question 5

MANAGEMENT

General principles

Answer 5

• Abstinence from alcohol and smoking
• Analgesia
• Replacement pancreatic enzymes
• Subcutaneous insulin regimets
• ERCP with stenting to reat strictures and obstruction
• Surgery may be require to treat complications