Pancreatitis

Question 1

causes of pancreatitis

I GET SMASHED

Answer 1

• idiopathic
• gallstones
• ethanol (alcohol)
• trauma
• steroids
• mumps
• autoimmune
• scorpion venom
• hyperlipidaemia
• ERCP
• drugs

Question 2

pancreatitis symptoms

Answer 2

• severe epigastric pain > radiates to back, better sitting forward
• fever, tachycardia
• nausea and vomiting
• cullen and grey turners signs (late)

Question 3

pancreatitis investigations

Answer 3

• history and examination
• bloods: FBC, CRP, U&E, serum amylase/lipase (elevated 3x upper limit in acute))
• MRCP/CT
• USS (assess for gallstones)

Question 4

pancreatitis management

Answer 4

• ABCDE: IV fluids, catheter, analgesia
• identify and treat cause
• close monitoring