Pancreatitis and pancreatic tumours Flashcards
WHere is the pancreas anatomically?
Behind the stomach.
Head to the ancreas sits in duodenum D1, 2 and 3.
Formed in 2 parts, the dorsal and ventral buds.
What are the parts of the pancreas?
Head, neck, body, tail and uncinate process
WHat is the arterial supply to the pancreas?
1) Coeliac artery:
- Splenic artery => Dorsal pancreatic artery.
- Common hepatic artery => Gastroduodenal => anterior and posterior pancreatoduodenal artery
2) SMA:
- Anterior and posterior inferior pancreatoduodenal artery.
What is the venous drainage of the pancreas?
Inferior pancreatic vein into splenic vein and then portal vain.
Anterior and posterior inferior pancreatoduodenal veins drain into the SMV.
Anterior and posterior superior pancreatoduodenal veins drain into the protal vein.
Which part of the duodenum is the CBD posterior to?
D1
Where are the major and minor papila found and what do they drain?
Both in D2
Minor drains the accessory pancreatic duct (ventral bud)
Major drains the common bile duct (dorsal bud)
What are the 2 major functions of the pancreas?
Exocrine function: acinar cells secrete pancreatic enzymes.
Endocrine function: Islets of langerhans secrete hormones into the blood
What are the 4 groups f cells in the islets of langerhans and what do they secrete?
Alpha cells- glucagon
Beta cells- Insulin
Delta cells- somatostatin
F cells- pancreatic polypeptides
What controls sectetions from acinar cells?
Vagus nerve and gastrin levels
What is secreted from pancreatic duct cells?
Bicarbonate: base to neutralise the astric juice
What is pancreatitis?
Acute inflammatory process of the pancreas. Involves regional tissues and sometimes remote organs
80% of cases of pancreatitis are mild. How are they managed?
Analgesia and IV fluids
What are the causes of pancreatits? (I get smashed)
Idiopathic
Gallstones
Ethanol
Trauma
Steroids
Mumps and other viral infections- hepatitis and coxackie B
Autoimmune
Scorpion bite
Hyercalcaemia/Hyerparathyroidism/Hyperlipidaemia (familial)
ERCP
Drugs (azathoprin)
What is the pathophysiology of pancreatitis?
Bile reflux therory:
Obstruction of the CBD/PD causing reflux of bile into pancreas which irritates the pancreas- occurs with many small stones.
Release of pancreatic enzyme precursors. Activaed enzymes autodigest the pancreas
What are the 4 main pathological stages of pancreatitis?
1) Oedema and fluid shift. Hypovolaemia. Fluids and enzymes in the peritoneal cavity autodigest fats affecting Ca++ binding => hypocalcaemia
2) Autodigestion of blood vessels => reteroperitoneal haemorrhage
3) Infarction due to compromised blood supply => Pancreatic necrosis
4) Necrotic tissue becomes infected => abscess formation.
What happens if toxic metabolites from the pancreas enter the blood?
Systemic effects: Shock Pulmonary compromise Acute renal failure Dinseminated intravascualr coagulation.
How does acute pancreatits present?
Trigger? Gallstones, alcohol, ERCP.
Acute onset epigastric pain radiating through to the back. Very severe (confused with MI)
Nausea and vomiting +++
Jaundice
What is found on exam in mild pancreatits?
Diffuse upper abdominal tenderness.
Soft
Normal bowel sounds
Fullness is epigastrium may be a pseudocyst
What may be found on exam in severe pancreatitis?
Like peritonitis with wide spread guarding and absent bowel sounds