Chronic Pancreatitis Flashcards
define Chronic Pancreatitis?
chronic inflammation of pancreas
most common cause?
alcohol
Hallmark features of chronic pancreatitis?
-5
o reduced pancreatic exocrine function o Malabsorption (weight loss) o Steatorrhoea o diabetic o pancreatic calcifications
how does chronic pancreatitis lead to steatorrhea and diabetes?
-step by step
Chronic inflammation of pancreas –> scarring of pancreas –> less normal tissue so cannot make enzymes or hormones so malabsorption and less insulin –> steatorrhoea + diabetes
Genetics causes of chronic pancreatitis?
-2
Cystic fibrosis, haemochromatosis
Ductal obstruction can cause chronic pancreatitis.
what things can obstruct duct?
-2
differentiating features on presentation and LFTs?
tumour, stone
jaundice
↑ALP
how does chronic pancreatitis produce pain symptoms?
-4 ways
Pancreatic inflammation
fibrosis increases intra-pancreatic pressure
ischaemia
+ scar tissue around nerves
Eating causes pain.
true or false
true
why you get weight loss in chronic pancreatitis?
-2
Malabsorption (less enzyme made)
Eating causes pain so eat less
SOCRATES the pain?
Epigastric pain radiates to back Pain worse 30 minutes after meal Fasting eases pain Sitting forward eases pain
how do stools change in chronic pancreatitis?
- describe features of the stool
- 3
Steatorrhea - become oily, greasy, will float
1st line Imaging for chronic pancreatitis?
-2
what will you see?
CT/MRI
pancreatic calcification
what is a really sensitive test for chronic pancreatitis but is invasive.
how is this test done?
Pancreatic function test
put tube down nose into duodenum and collect pancreatic juice for analysis
pt has suspected chronic pancreatitis.
want to check for any autoimmune hepatitis.
best blood test for and result?
↑IgG4
Mx for chronic pancreatitis?
- 4 things
address risk factors (stop drinking)
address cause +
Pancreatic enzyme supplements (Pancreatin) + Analgesia
