Disorders of the Pancreas Flashcards
Where is the pancreas?
Retroperitoneal behind the stomach
How and where does the pancreas enter the duodenum?
Forms the hepatopancreatic ampulla/ampulla of vater with the bile duct, which is separated from the duodenum by the sphincter of Oddi.
What are the exocrine enzymes released by the pancreas and the endocrine hormones?
- Exocrine: protease, lipase, amylase
- Endocrine: Glucagon and insulin
3 components of the Islets of Langerhans
- Alpha: glucagon
- Beta cells: insulin (MC cell type)
- Delta cells: somatostatin (inhibits insulin, increases glucagon secretion)
What do acinar cells secrete?
- Proteases = protein
- Lipases = triglycerides
- Amylase = carbs
- Epithelial cells: Bicarb = neutralize acid
MCC of GI-related hospitalization
Acute pancreatitis
MCC of acute pancreatitis
- Gallstone
- Heavy alcohol intake (more than just a binge)
Drinking what can reduce the risk of non-biliary pancreatitis?
Caffeine
3 components of the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis
- Edema/obstruction at ampulla, causing bile reflux
- Premature/overactivation of enzymes
- Autodigestion (early activation of enzymes)
3 phases of acute pancreatitis
- Initial phase: activation of enzymes
- Second phase: activation of leukocytes and macrophages
- Third phase: Activated proteolytic enzymes and cytokines
What characterizes the beginning of gallstone induced acute pancreatitis?
Gallstone blocks the ampulla but you are still making enzymes
What happens as pancreatic enzymes buildup during gallstone blockage in acute pancreatitis?
Microvascular injury leading to inflammatory mediator release and damage.
Classic presentation of acute pancreatitis
- Epigastric abdominal pain radiating to the back that improves when leaning forward.
- N/V
- Weakness, sweating, anxiety
What would cause jaundice in acute pancreatitis?
If it is at the ampulla of Vater
What are the PE signs for acute pancreatitis?
- Cullen’s sign: bruising of the periumbilical region
- Grey Turner sign: bruising of the flanks
Grey Turner = 2 words = 2 flanks
Both suggest presence of retroperitoneal bleed
What are the two classifications of acute pancreatitis?
- Acute interstitial edematous pancreatitis
- Necrotizing acute pancreatitis
What is the most sensitive test for acute pancreatitis?
Serum Lipase (3x ULN)
Which serum lab rises sooner in acute pancreatitis?
Serum lipase
Elevation of what labs might suggest biliary pancreatitis?
ALT/AST/ALP
Is imaging needed for diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?
Nope if labs are abnormal
What XRAY signs might be seen in acute pancreatitis?
- Sentinel Loop: Dilated air filled SI near pancreas
- Colon cut-off sign: gas filled segment of transverse colon abruptly ends at pancreas.
What imaging modality is generally not that helpful in acute pancreatitis?
US unless looking for a gallstone specifically.
What are the essentials of diagnosing acute pancreatitis?
- Abrupt onset of deep, epigastric pain that radiates to the back
- Hx of previous episodes, often related to alcohol intake
- N/V, sweating, and weakness
- ABd tenderness, fever, and distention
- Serum amylase/lipase and leukocytosis
If imaging is used to help diagnose acute pancreatitis, which scan will be diagnostic?
Abd CT w/o con