Pancreatic Disease Flashcards
What is the main diagnostic investigation for acute pancreatitis?
Elevation of serum amylase
What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis?
Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back
Vomiting
Pyrexia
What are the signs of acute pancreatitis?
Hypoxic
Renal failure
Jaundice
Tachycardia
What is the pathology for acute pancreatitis?
Acute inflammation of the pancreas
Primary insult
Release of activated pancreatic enzymes resulting in auto-digestion
Leading to oedema, fat necrosis and haemorrhage
What is the aetiology for acute pancreatitis?
I GET SMASHED Idiopathic Gallstones Ethanol abuse Trauma Steroids Mumps virus Autoimmune diseases Scorpion Stings Hypertriglyceridemia & hypercalcaemia ERCP Drugs
What are the non-
radiological investigations for acute pancreatitis?
Amylase Lipase Arterial BG FBC: U&E's LFT's Glucose Lipids Coagulation screen
What are the radiological investigations for acute pancreatitis?
CT
AXR
USS
ERCP
What is the aetiology for chronic pancreatitis?
Males>females Middle aged Alcohol CF Hereditary pancreatitis Hypercalceamia
Describe the pathology of chronic pancreatitis
Continuing inflammatory disease of the pancreas
Irreversbile glandular destruction
Permanent loss of function
What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
Abdominal pain
Weight loss
Exorcrine insufficiency
Fat in poo
What are the signs of chronic pancreatitis?
Jaundice Portal hypertension Steatorrhoea Diabetes Decrease in Vitamin B12
Why could someone with chronic pancreatitis present with diabetes?
Loss of glandular function would mean their release of insulin and glucagon would be compromised
Why would someone with chronic pancreatitis present with steatorrhoea?
Their production and release of pancreatic lipase would be compromised
Therefore their ability to digest and absorb fat would be compromised
The fat would consequently not be absorbed and pass out at the other end
What is the treatment for acute pancreatitis?
Analgesia IV fluids Blood transfusion (hb<10g/dl) Monitor urine output NG tube Oxygen Insulin Rarely Ca supplements Nutrition in severe cases
Gallstones cause:
Cholecystectomy
What is the treatment for chronic pancreatitis?
Alcohol cessation Pancreatic enzyme supplements Nutritional support Coeliac plexus blocks Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic duct Surgery in selected cases
What are the non-radiological investigations for chronic pancreatitis?
Serum amylase
Albumin
LFT’s
What are the risk factors the pancreatic cancer?
Male >70 Smoking Obesity Chronic pancreatitis Liver cirrhosis DM
What is the most common type of cancer in the pancreas?
Adenocarcinoma
What are the symptoms of pancreatic carcinoma?
Mid-epigastric pain Nausea Fatigue Vomiting Weight loss Anorexia Steatorrhoea
What are the physical signs of pancreatic carcinoma?
Ascites Portal hypertension Hepato/splenomegaly Abdominal mass Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy Palpable galbladder Obstructive Jaundice
Where would a pancreatic tumour be likely obstructing if jaundice was a presenting sign?
Common bile duct
What are imaging techniques used for in pancreatic carcinoma?
Diagnosis and staging
What are the imaging techniques used for pancreatic carcinoma?
USS
CT
MRI
EUS
What is an alarm sign for pancreatic carcinoma?
Unintentional weight loss
Why does pancreatic cancer have such a poor prognosis?
Due to the fact it often presents as late disease
Often very asymptomatic