Function of the Pancreas Flashcards
Exocrine functions of the pancreas
85%
Glands-ducts-duodenum
Secrete digestive enzymes
Endocrine functions of the pancreas
Islets of langerhans
Secrete peptide hormones into the blood (insulin and glucagon)
2 types of pancreatitis
Acute and chronic
Clincial features of acute pancreatitis
Emergency
Sudden onset of severe abdo pain radiating to the back
nausea and vomiting
Prognosis of acute pancreatitis
May be mild (recovery within 5-7 days) or serious with high mortality
Lab tests for acute pancreatitis
Raised serum amylase/lipase Hypocalcaemia (fatty acids bind calcium ions) Hyperglycaemia Abscess formation Pseudocysts
Causes of acute pancreatitis
Gallstones (50%)
Alcohol (25%)
Rare causes (vascular insufficiency, viral infections-mumps, coxsackie B,hypercalcaemia, ERCP)
Idiopathic
Mild pancreatitis
Swollen gland with fat necrosis
Severe pancreatitis
Swollen, necrotic gland with fat necrosis and haemorrhage
Sign indicating haemorrhage into the subcutaneous tissues of the flank in acute pancreatitis
Grey Turner’s sign
Sign to show periumbilicus in acute pancreatitis
Cullen’s sign
Complications of acute pancreatitis
Shock
Intravascular coagulopathy
Haemorrhage
Pseudocysts
Collections of pancreatic juice secondary to duct rupture
Pseudocysts
Chronic pancreatitis
Progressive inflammatory disorder in which parenchyma of pancreas is destroyed and replaced by fibrous tissue.
Chronic pancreatitis is irreversible destruction of which tissue first
Exocrine first
Complications of chronic pancreatitis
Malnutrition and diabetes
Risk factors for chronic pancreatitis
Toxic- alcohol, smoking Genetic Obstruction of the main duct-cancer scarring Recurrent acute pancreatitis Autoimmune Idiopathic