Chronic pancreatitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is chronic pancreatitis?
A
Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation and stops working properly
2
Q
What are the risk factors of chronic pancreatitis?
A
- Alcohol excess
- Smoking
- Family history
- Ductal obstruction - gallstones, tumours, structural abnormalities
- Genetic - CF, haemochromatosis
- Autoimmune pancreatitis
3
Q
What sort of pain is associated with chronic pancreatitis? What is its character? What makes it better / worse?
A
Epigastric pain
- Dull and radiating to the back
- Improved by leaning forward
- Occurs 15-30 mins after eating
4
Q
What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
A
- Epigastric pain
- Steatorrhea and diarrhoea (foul-smelling stools which are hard to flush)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Features of diabetes
5
Q
What are the signs of chronic pancreatitis?
A
- Epigastric tenderness
- Signs of liver disease (e.g. jaundice and ascites)
- Skin nodules (rare)
