Dr.Ayman
10-04-2002, 11:37 PM
Definition
A persistent inflammation of the pancreas -- an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Alternative names
Chronic relapsing pancreatitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Chronic pancreatitis is caused by alcohol abuse (70-80%) or unknown factors. Various conditions such as hyperlipidemia, hyperparathyroidism, trauma, and chronic obstruction of the pancreatic duct can be associated with chronic pancreatitis.Â
Inflammation and fibrosis cause the destruction of functioning glandular tissue in the pancreas. This results in an inability to properly digest fat caused by a lack of pancreatic enzymes. The production of insulin is also affected.
Attacks may become more frequent as the condition progresses. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people. Alcoholism is a risk factor. Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men. Pancreatic cancer can cause symptoms and signs similar to chronic pancreatitis.
Prevention
Determining the cause of acute pancreatitis and treatment may help to prevent chronic pancreatitis. Treatment for alcohol abuse is essential.
Symptoms
abdominal pain
greatest in the upper abdomen
may last from hours to days, eventually may be continuous
may be worse by eating or drinking
may be worse from alcohol
may radiate to the back
Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve pain.
nausea
vomiting
weight loss
fatty stools
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
stools, clay colored
Signs and tests
serum lipase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses.
serum amylase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses.
serum trypsinogen may be low
fecal fat test shows fatty stools
Inflammation and/or calcium deposits of the pancreas may be evident on:
abdominal CT scan
abdominal ultrasound
ERCP
An exploratory laparotomy may be performed to confirm diagnosis.
:rolleyes:
A persistent inflammation of the pancreas -- an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach and secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Alternative names
Chronic relapsing pancreatitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Chronic pancreatitis is caused by alcohol abuse (70-80%) or unknown factors. Various conditions such as hyperlipidemia, hyperparathyroidism, trauma, and chronic obstruction of the pancreatic duct can be associated with chronic pancreatitis.Â
Inflammation and fibrosis cause the destruction of functioning glandular tissue in the pancreas. This results in an inability to properly digest fat caused by a lack of pancreatic enzymes. The production of insulin is also affected.
Attacks may become more frequent as the condition progresses. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people. Alcoholism is a risk factor. Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men. Pancreatic cancer can cause symptoms and signs similar to chronic pancreatitis.
Prevention
Determining the cause of acute pancreatitis and treatment may help to prevent chronic pancreatitis. Treatment for alcohol abuse is essential.
Symptoms
abdominal pain
greatest in the upper abdomen
may last from hours to days, eventually may be continuous
may be worse by eating or drinking
may be worse from alcohol
may radiate to the back
Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve pain.
nausea
vomiting
weight loss
fatty stools
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
stools, clay colored
Signs and tests
serum lipase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses.
serum amylase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses.
serum trypsinogen may be low
fecal fat test shows fatty stools
Inflammation and/or calcium deposits of the pancreas may be evident on:
abdominal CT scan
abdominal ultrasound
ERCP
An exploratory laparotomy may be performed to confirm diagnosis.
:rolleyes: