Limbic 365Acute pancreatitis is a medical condition that results in inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located in the abdomen. This inflammation can range from mild to severe and can lead to complications that can be life-threatening. In this article, we will discuss the case, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, investigations, treatment, and advice for acute pancreatitis.
Case:
A 42-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. He reports that the pain began suddenly and has been getting worse over the past few hours. He also reports nausea, vomiting, and a fever. The patient has a history of heavy alcohol consumption and has a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Pathophysiology:
Acute pancreatitis occurs when there is inflammation in the pancreas, which can be caused by various factors such as heavy alcohol consumption, gallstones, high levels of triglycerides in the blood, or trauma. Inflammation can cause enzymes normally stored in the pancreas to be activated prematurely and start to digest the pancreas itself, leading to further inflammation and damage.
Signs and Symptoms:
The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that can radiate to the back. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, a rapid heart rate, and jaundice. In severe cases, acute pancreatitis can cause organ failure, shock, and even death.
Investigations:
A diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is usually made based on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, and blood tests. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the underlying cause of the inflammation.
Treatment:
Treatment for acute pancreatitis usually involves hospitalization and supportive care. Patients are typically placed on a fast to allow the pancreas to rest and recover. Intravenous fluids are administered to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance. Pain medication and anti-nausea medication may also be given. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Dos and Don’ts:
Patients with acute pancreatitis should avoid alcohol and high-fat foods, which can exacerbate symptoms. It is also important to follow a low-fat diet after recovery to prevent recurrence. Smoking should also be avoided as it can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Patients should also make sure to attend all follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their condition and prevent complications.
Reference:
Forsmark, C. E., Vege, S. S., & Wilcox, C. M. (2016). Acute Pancreatitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(20), 1972–1981. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra1505202
Tenner, S., Baillie, J., DeWitt, J., Vege, S. S., & American College of Gastroenterology. (2013). American College of Gastroenterology guideline: management of acute pancreatitis. The American journal of gastroenterology, 108(9), 1400–1415. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2013.218
Banks, P. A., Bollen, T. L., Dervenis, C., Gooszen, H. G., Johnson, C. D., Sarr, M. G., Tsiotos, G. G., & Vege, S. S. (2013). Classification of acute pancreatitis–2012: revision of the Atlanta classification and definitions by international consensus. Gut, 62(1), 102–111. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302779
Yadav, D., & Lowenfels, A. B. (2013). The epidemiology of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Gastroenterology, 144(6), 1252–1261. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2013.01.068
Peery, A. F., Dellon, E. S., Lund, J., Crockett, S. D., McGowan, C. E., Bulsiewicz, W. J., Gangarosa, L. M., Thiny, M. T., Stizenberg, K., Morgan, D. R., Ringel, Y., Kim, H. P., DiBonaventura, M. D., Carroll, C. F., & Sandler, R. S. (2014). Burden of gastrointestinal disease in the United States: 2012 update. Gastroenterology, 146(5), 1179–1187.e3. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2014.01.001
