Pancreatic Patient Flashcards
Is Acute Pancreatitis an emergency?
YES
What occurs with Acute Pancreatitis?
Activation of digestive enzymes = autodigestion
What are common causes of Acute Pancreatitis?
Gallstones
Heavy alcohol use
Hypertriglyceridemia
Trauma, meds
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
Epigastric/RUQ pain that radiates straight through to the back
Where does the pain radiate with Acute Pancreatitis?
Straight through to the back
What may be seen on the skin with Acute Pancreatitis?
Cullen sign = belly bruise
Grey Turner Sign = flank bruise
Abdominal exam findings with Acute Pancreatitis?
Abdominal tenderness with decreased bowel sounds
What may be found with a lung exam with Acute Pancreatitis?
Possible difficulty breathing with crackles due to pleural effusions
What ion will be decreased with Acute Pancreatitis and what are the corresponding (+) findings?
HYPOcalcemia
= Chvostek sign and Trousseau sign (+)
Chvostek - facial nerve spasm
Trousseau - bp cuff causes carpal spasm
What are the diagnostic criteria for Acute Pancreatitis?
2/3 of the following:
- Epigastric pain
- CT changes consistent with pancreatitis
- Lipase (and amylase) 3X the upper limit of normal
What are the diagnostic criteria for Acute Pancreatitis?
2/3 of the following:
- Epigastric pain
- CT changes consistent with pancreatitis
- Lipase (and amylase) 3X the upper limit of normal
Difference between Lipase and Amylase?
Amylase can be increased in other conditions
= LIPASE IS MORE ACCURATE
Difference between Lipase and Amylase?
Amylase can be increased in other conditions
= LIPASE IS MORE ACCURATE
A CT with or without contrast can be obtained for Acute Pancreatitis. When should you avoid using contrast?
Cr > 1.5
What are 2 things that may be seen on X-ray with Acute Pancreatitis?
Sentinel Loop
Colon Cutoff Sign
What are 2 things that may be seen on X-ray with Acute Pancreatiits?
Sentinel Loop
Colon Cutoff Sign
Sentinel loop
Segment of air-filled small intestine in LUQ
- Sign of Acute Pancreatitis
Colon Cutoff Sign
Gas-filled segment of transverse colon that ABRUPTLY ends at area of Pancreatic inflammation