Chronic Pancreatitis Flashcards
What is chronic pancreatitis?
Continuing inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterised by irreversible glandular destruction and typically causing pain and/or permanent loss of function
What is the pathogenesis of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis?
Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis is characterised by dilated pancreatic ducts filled with protein plugs which may be calcified due to impaired calcium regulation. This leads to atrophy of the acinar tissue and fibrosis with relative preservation of islets.
What are causes of chronic pancreatitis?
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Autoimmune
- Familial
- CF
- Haemochromatosis
- Pancreatic duct obstruction
- Congenital - pancreas divisum
What is autoimmune pancreatitis?
IgG4-related disorder where the immune system attack the pancreas. There are two types; Type 1 and type 2
What are well recognised susceptibility genes implicated in chronic pancreatitis?
- PRSS1
- SPINK1
- CFTR
What are symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
- Epigastric pain boring through to the back - relieved by sitting forward or hot water
- Bloating
- Steatorrhoea
- Weight loss
- Brittle diabetes
What signs might be seen in chronic pancreatitis?
- Weight loss
- Erythema ab ignes
What is erythema ab ignes?
Erythema caused by exposure to heat - in the context of chronic pancreatitis
What investigations would you consider doing in someone with suspected chronic pancreatitis?
- Bloods - Serum amylase/lipase, albumin, Ca2+, vit B12, LFTs, Prothrombin time, glucose
- Ultrasound +/- CT
- Faecal elastase
- MRCP/ERCP
- EUS
- AXR
What differential diagnosis would you consider in someone with features of chronic pancreatitis?
Pancreatic malignancy
What features are you looking for in Endoscopic ultrasound/CT scan?
Pancreatic calcification
How would you manage someone with chronic pancreatitis?
- Analgesia
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement - Creon
- Insulin
- Dietary advice
- Surgery
What dietary advice would you give someone with chornic pancreatitis?
- No alcohol
- Low fat diet
- Medium chain triglycerides
What are options for pain relief in chronic pancreatitis?
- Opiates - dihydrocodeine, pethidine
- Coeliac plexus block
What surgical procedures are used for unremitting pancreatic pain?
- Pancreatectomy
- Pancreaticojejunostomy