Pancreas

Question 1

Following two-days of heavy drinking, a 40-year old man developed upper abdominal pain. You suspect acute pancreatitis. Which blood tests should you order?

Answer 1

Amylase and Lipase

Question 2

A chronic alcoholic had indigestion and bulky, foul-smelling fatty stools (steatorrhea). Radiographic examination of the abdomen revealed dystrophic calcification of the pancreas. What was the most likely cause of this condition?

Answer 2

Chronic pancreatitis due to alcoholism

Question 3

An inflammation of the exocrine pancreas that results from injury to exocrine (acinar) cells. It may present as a mild, self-limited disease or as fatal, acute hemorrhagic disease with massive necrosis. Elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase and peri-pancreatic fat necrosis are characteristic findings:

Answer 3

Pancreatitis

Question 4

Characterized by progressive destruction of the pancreas with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Longstanding alcohol abuse is the major cause of this calcifying disease:

Answer 4

Chronic pancreatitis

Question 5

A virtually incurable neoplasm. It is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths among men and fifth among women:

Answer 5

Pancreatic cancer

Question 6

The most common islet cell neoplasm (75% of cases). Typically release sufficient amounts of insulin to induce severe hypoglycemia. Patients with severe hypoglycemia typically present with sweating, nervousness, and hunger, which may progress to lethargy and coma.

Answer 6

Insulinomas

Question 7

When severe peptic ulcers are encountered in a patient, a work-up should include a search for a pancreatic tumor. Name this tumor:

Answer 7

Gastrinoma

Question 8

Name a pancreatic lesion filled with blood and tissue debris:

Answer 8

Pancreatic pseudocyst