Pancreatitis Flashcards
What is the definition of pancreatitis?
Digestive enzymes become activated in the pancreas instead of small bowel
Pancreas becomes inflamed and shows signs of fat necrosis and oedema
How might a patient with acute pancreatitis present?
Sudden onset severe abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
What are some of the complications of acute pancreatitis?
Haemorrhage Shock Renal failure Respiratory failure Pseudocyst formation Abscess formation Hypocalcaemia Hyperglycaemia
Which digestive enzyme is responsible for fat necrosis in pancreatitis?
Lipases
Which digestive enzyme is responsible for tissue destruction and haemorrhage in pancreatitis?
Proteases
What are some of the causes of acute pancreatitis?
Alcohol Gall stones Shock Mumps Hyperparathyroidism Hypothermia Trauma
What are the two most common causes of acute pancreatitis?
Alcohol
Gall stones
Why would gallstones cause acute pancreatitis?
Blockage of pancreatic duct would cause build up of digestive enzymes in the pancreas
Why might a patient with acute pancreatitis become hypocalcaemic?
Areas of fat necrosis can bind large amounts of calcium
What is Grey Turner’s sign?
If lipolytic enzymes leak and involve the abdominal wall, they may cause a blue/grey discolouration on the flanks
What is a pseudocyst?
A cyst without epithelial lining
What is chronic pancreatitis?
Continuing inflammation with exocrine atrophy and fibrosis
What is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic alcohol excess
What are some of the other causes of chronic pancreatitis?
Gall stones
Cystic fibrosis
Hyperparathyroidism
What are some of the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
Intermittent upper abdominal pain
