MSRA: Pancreatic Disease

Question 1

What are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis?

Answer 1

Gall stones and alcohol
(Also post-ERCP procedures)

Question 2

What are the features of acute pancreatitis?

Answer 2

Epigastric pain which radiates through to the back
NV
Fever

Question 3

What are the features of pancreatic cancer?

Answer 3

Classically painless jaundice
Weight loss
Palpable gallbladder
Loss of exocrine function -> steatorrhoea
Loss of endocrine function -> diabetes

Question 4

What is the tumour marker for pancreatic cancer?

Answer 4

CA 19-9

Question 5

What are the causes of drug-induced pancreatitis?

Answer 5

Steroids
Mesalazine
Sodium valproate

Question 6

What are the key management steps in acute pancreatitis?

Answer 6

Fluids and analgesia

Question 7

What are the NICE 2ww criteria for suspected pancreatic cancer?

Answer 7

• Age 40+ with jaundice
• Age 60+ with weight loss and any of the following: diarrhoea, back pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or new-onset diabetes