Exam 2 CM3 Pancreatic dz Flashcards
What is the basic anatomy and function of the Pancreas
Divisions: Head, neck, body, tail
Vascular Supply: Celiac axis, SMA
Innervation: ANS
Function: Exocrine (amylase, Lipase, Protease) and Endocrine (insuline, Glucagon)
How is the Pancreas an Exocrine gland? What stimulates pancreatic secretions?
- Amylase, Lipase and Protease
- Pancreatic juice that contains electrolytes, bicarb and digestive enzymes to neutralize gastric acid and provide basic environment for pancreatic enzymes
- Stimulated by: Gastric acid, CCK, Vagal stimulation
How is the Pancreas and Endocrine gland
Insulin (response to blood glucose , increase perm of cell membrane to glu)
Glucagon (stimulate glycogenolysis and Gluconeogenesis)
What is Acute Pancreatitis and what causes it
Definition: Inflammatory disease characterized by autodigestion of the pancreas by proteolytic enzymes prematurely activated within the pancreas
Etiology: Alcohol, *gallstones** together comprise 75% cause;
Other:
Blunt trauma, ERCP,
Drugs/toxins: (thiazide diuretics, estrogen, sulf, valproate, 6-MP, anti HIV meds, scorpion venom, salicylates)
Metabolic: Hypertrig (>1000), HyperCa
Vascular: ischemia, vasculitis
Infections: Viral (mumps, CMV, EBV, HIV, Varicella0
Genetic
Idiopathic up to 30%
What is the OLDCARTS presentation of Acute pancreatitis (abdominal pain)
Onset: acute, may be after eating Location: midepigastric, radiates to back Duration: Constant Character: Steady, Boring Aggravators: lying supine Relievers: sitting and leaning forward (less pressure on retroperitoneal pancreas) Tx: Sx: Anorexia, N/V, abdominal distension
Besides OLDCARTS, what are other presenting indications of acute pancreatitis?
Vitals: fever, tachycardia, Tachypnea (watch PO2)
Skin: Jaundice (biliary obstruction/cholestasis)
Abd: hypoactive or absent BW, significant midepigastric tenderness w or w/o guarding or rebound)
CULLENS SIGN (periumbilical ecchymosis)
GREY TURNER SIGN: flank ecchymosis
What are Cullens sign and Grey Turners sign and what do they suggest
Cullens: periumbilical ecchymosis (the U’s together)
Grey Turners sign: flank ecchymosis
Suggest Acute pancreatitis
Ddx of Acute Pancreatitis
Perforated PUD Acute Cholecystitis Bowel Obstruction Diverticulitis (usually sigmoid though) Pneumonia (lower lobes), MI, AAA (leaking(, mesenteric ischemia
What lab findings are consistent with acute pancreatitis
Elevated amylase and lipase (>3x normal)
Leukocytosis, elevated HCT (hemoconcentration/dehydration)
Elevated Cr, mild elevated Glucose (insulin not working)
HypoCa
Transient LFT elevations ( ALT >150 and/or bilirubin suggests gallstone pancreatitis)
ABGs: O2 may be decreased (metabolic acidosis)
What imaging studies can help dx Acute pancreatitis
Plain films: Normal vs. ileus; limited role
UTZ: gallstones** initial TOC
CT: pancreatic edema or inflammation, calcifications, pseudocysts, necrosis, abscess
MRCP
EUS: Latest and greatest sensitivity
What might an abdominal plain film reveal in a pt with acute pancreatitis (what can it help r/o)
Limited role in dx, but may show sentinel loop of dilated bowel, or calcified gallstones in RUQ
R/o obstruction, ileus, perforation (free air)
*CXR likely beneficial to r/o pulmonary infiltrates of pleural effusions
What is a CT scan helpful for in dx acute pancreatitis
CT is used for dx: enlargement, heterogenous enhancement, blurring of fat planes and fat stranding
- Identifies severity of dz
- Identifies complications: necrosis, pseudocysts, abscess, hemorrhage
How might and MRI of MRCP help dx acute pancreatitis?
MRI/MRCP similar to CT, but some advantages including: lower risk nephrotoxicity, increased characterization of fluid collections, necrosis, abscess, pseudocysts, and better view of biliary and pancreatic ducts (helps if CBD sotne not seen on CT or UTZ but biliary pancreatitis is expected)
What are indications for ERCP re. Acute Pancreatitis
Visualization of biliary and pancreatic ductal anatomy
May obtain cytology or biopsy
May be therapeutic (stone removal, stent insertion, sphincterotomy)
Can see common bile duct stricture with dilation of hepatic ducts
Extrahepatic biliary obstruction most often due to: gallstones, pancreatitis, pancreatic CA)
Extrahepatic biliary obstruction is most often due to what
Gallstones, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer
How do you manage/treat acute pancreatitis
- Almost all are admitted
- Tx underlying cause
- Diet: NPO (if prolonged NPO, enteral pref over Parenteral); can advance diet when no longer on IV narcotics (clear liquids full liquids low fat diet)
- Hydration – IV fluids are KEY!!
- Pain control: Meperidine (Demerol)
- +/- ABX: controversial but indicated when infected necrosis is concern: Imipenem (Primaxin) penetrates pancreas
- Identify complications early: decrease urine output/rising creatinine, respiratory failure, worsening condition (pain, fever, leukocytosis)
- Monitor lab values closely
What are some complications of Acute pancreatitis
Local:
Pseudocyst (collection of fluid & debri; no epithelial lining; fibrotic wall)
Pancreatic abscess: infected pseudocyst or necrotic area (suspect with fever, WBC, clinical deterioration)
Pancreatic Necrosis: area of non viable tissue
Hemorrhage
Ascites: from leaking duct or pseudocyst