Pancreas Conditions Flashcards
Acute pancreatitis definition
inflammation of the pancreas
What causes acute pancreatitis
OBSTRUCTION of the outflow of pancreatic enzymes lead to AUTODIGESTION of the pancreas cells
Obstruction of the outflow of pancreatic enzymes can be caused by (4)
Pancreatic and bile duct obstruction (usually gallstone)
Alcohol
Drugs
Viral infection
Backup of TRYPSIN in the pancreas causes
Edema, necrosis, hemorrhage
Backup of ELASTASE in the pancreas causes
Hemorrhage
Backup of LIPASE & PHOSPHOLIPASE in the pancreas causes
Fat necrosis
Backup of KALLIKREIN in the pancreas causes
Edema, vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, shock
Describe pain associated with acute pancreatitis
SEVERE epigastric pain
Sudden onset
May radiate to back
Acute pancreatitis manifestations (8)
Abd distention,
Abd tenderness/ guarding
N/V
Hypoactive bowel sounds
Fever
Hypotension, tachycardia (r/t fluid loss)
Jaundice
Ecchymoses (severe)
What lab values will be elevated with acute pancreatitis (4)
amylase
lipase
glucose
WBC
What are the two signs of ecchymoses?
Grey Turner’s sign
Cullen’s sign
What is Grey Turner’s sign?
Cyanosis or green/yellow/brown discoloration of the abdomen at the FLANKS
What is Cullen’s sign?
Cyanosis or green/yellow/brown discoloration of the abdomen at the PERIUMBILICAL
Complications of acute pancreatitis (6)
Pseudocyst
Abscess
Pulmonary complications
(r/t pain or pleural effusion)
Hypotension
Hypovolemic shock
Tetany from hypocalcemia
Fat necrosis generates ___ that bind to calcium, causing ___
free fatty acids;
hypocalcemia
What is a pancreatic psueodcyst?
Fluid-filled cavity that surrounds the outside of the pancreas
(Filled with necrotic debris)
The clinical manifestations of a pseudocyst is similar to pancreatitis, plus ___ (1)
a palpable epigastric mass
What is a pancreatic abcess?
A large fluid-filled cavity INSIDE the pancreas, resulting from extensive necrosis in the pancreas
The clinical manifestations of a pancreatic abscess is similar to pancreatitis, plus ___ (3)
an abdominal mass, high fever, & leukocytosis
Perforation of a pancreatic abscess OR pseudocyst will cause ___
peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum)
Pseudocysts can be present in BOTH acute and chronic pancreatitis. T/F?
TRUE
Chronic pancreatitis definition
Progressive, fibrotic disease of the pancreas
Most common cause of chronic pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse
Chronic Pancreatitis clinical manifestations (6)
Attacks of acute pancreatitis
Progressive signs of dysfunction after attacks
Chronic abdominal pain
Weight loss
Nutritional malabsorption (fats)
Diabetes (r/t loss of islet of Langerhans)
