Pancreas Pathologies Flashcards
Inflammation of the pancreas
pancreatitis
what are the two types of pancreatitis?
acute and chronic
What is acute pancreatitis?
enzymes activate and cause pancreas to eat itself
What is chronic pancreatitis?
repeated injury causes scar tissue formation
What can acute pancreatitis cause?
- jaundice if swollen pancreas blocks the bile duct
What can chronic pancreatitis cause?
pancreas cannot produce digestive enzymes, insulin and glucagon
What are the common causes of pancreatitis?
alcohol related.
general symptoms of pancreatitis:
- belly swelling
- belly pain spreading to back and chest
- gets worse after eating
- nausea
- vomiting
- tachycardia
Radiographic appearance of ACUTE pancreatitis:
- diffuse enlargement of pancreas
- obscured soft tissue around pancreas due to swelling
CT often used as plain x-ray is non-specific
Radiographic appearance of CHRONIC pancreatitis:
- if calcification of pancreas are seen it IS chronic pancreatitis (indicative)
- pancreatic enlargement or atrophy
- ductal dilation
- calcifications
Pancreatic cancer, also called ___________
pancreatic carcinoma
what is the most common pancreatic cancer?
adenocarcinoma — starts in the glands of the pancreas lining
60% of pancreatic carcinomas are located in __________
the head of the pancreas
pancreatic carcinoma presents as:
- enlargement of pancreatic head
- blocked bile duct
- obstructional jaundice
Symptoms of pancreatic carcinoma
- pain in upper abdomen and back
- fatty stools
- jaundice
- nausea
- vomiting
- weight loss
Radiographic appearance of pancreatic carcinoma
- decreased attenuation compared to normal
- CT is used to assess mass, dilation and invasion of cancer to neighboring structures
- BE shows distortion of mucosal pattern and duodenal config
- US shows a tumor 2cm or greater, irregular contour, semisolid pattern
A common endocrine disorder
- problem with carbohydrate metabolism
- insufficient insulin secretion(by pancreas) or usage (by body cells)
Diabetes Mellitus
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus:
- polyuria
- polydipsia
- polyphagia
- glycosuria
- ketones in urine
- blurry vision
Diabetes mellitus may cause:
- acidosis and dehydration into diabetic coma
- prevents glucose from entering cells hyperglycemia
Radiographic appearance of diabetes mellitus
We dont really see the disorder radiographically, just it’s effects
- peripheral vessel calcifications
- severe osteomyelitis
- neuropathic joints
- ischemic gangrene
- gas gangrene (necrotizing infection)
Hypoglycemia is:
low blood sugar
What does hypoglycemia do?
- make patient feel light headed
- weakness
- faint
- shaky
- sweaty
- pale
- tachycardia/arrythmia
What to do when a patient is hypoglycemic?
give sugar (like candy or juice)
Hyperglycemia is
high blood sugar
What causes hyperglycemia?
- liver makes too much glucose
- is a complication of diabetes
What do we do when a patient is hyperglycemic?
Send them to the ER for rehydration, electrolyte replacement and insulin therapy
What is DKA?
Diabetic ketoacidosis
a complication of type 1 diabetes
What is HHS?
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
A serious complication of type 2 diabetes
when blood sugar levels are too high for too long
What does HHS do?
Causes extreme thirst, frequent urination and confusion
requires immediate medical care
Free air found in the peritoneal cavity just below the diaphragm
Pneumoperitoneum
Causes for pneumoperitoneum?
- perforation of GI tract (like from ulcers)
- septic infection
- penetrating injuries
- blunt trauma
What can occur from pneumoperitoneum?
peritonitis
symptoms of pneumoperitoneum:
- persistent abdominal pain
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
Radiographic appearance of pneumoperitoneum:
- Air under the diaphragm, looks like a sickle
- a lot of air may be seen in supine projection both inner and outer walls of the intestine are seen
How would we image someone if pneumoperitoneum?
- with a horizontal beam
- upright or left lateral decub
