User:Mr. Ibrahem/Chronic pancreatitis
| Chronic pancreatitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pancreatitis - chronic - discharge |
 | |
| Axial CT showing multiple calcifications in the pancreas in a patient with chronic pancreatitis | |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Symptoms | None, abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting, greasy bad smelling stool[1] |
| Complications | Diabetes, malnutrition, pancreatic pseudocyst, pancreatic cancer[1] |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Causes | Alcoholism, pancreatic duct obstruction, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune pancreatitis, high blood calcium, high blood lipids[1] |
| Diagnostic method | MRCP or ERCP[1] |
| Differential diagnosis | Peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, mesenteric ischemia[1] |
| Prevention | Avoiding alcohol and smoking[1] |
| Treatment | Low fat meals, fat soluble vitamins, pancreatic enzymes, pain medications, surgery[1] |
| Frequency | 6 per 10,000 (USA)[2] |
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that affects its function functions.[1] There is may be periods of no symptoms, though at time abdominal pain may occur.[1] Other symptoms may include weight loss, vomiting, and greasy bad smelling stool.[1] Complications may include diabetes, malnutrition, pancreatic pseudocyst, and pancreatic cancer.[1]
The cause in about 75% of cases is alcoholism.[1][3] Other causes include pancreatic duct obstruction, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune pancreatitis, high blood calcium, certain medications, and high blood lipids.[1] The underlying mechanism may involve either plugs forming within the pancreatic ducts or activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.[1] Diagnosis may be supported by MRCP or ERCP with lipase levels often being normal.[1] A stool fat measurement over 72 hours may be useful.[1]
There is no cure.[2] Management may involve eating low fat meals, fat soluble vitamin supplementation, and pancreatic enzymes.[1] People should stop smoking and drinking alcohol.[1] Pain may be treated with tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs, or gabapentin.[1] Opioids or surgery may be used if other measures are not effective.[1]
How commonly it occurs is unclear.[1] One estimate from the United States put the frequency at 6 per 10,000.[2] Similar numbers have been found in Europe and Asia.[2] The typical age at diagnosis is 45.[1] Life expectancy may be decreased in those affected.[2] The condition was first described in 1788 by Cawley.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Benjamin, O; Lappin, SL (January 2020). "Chronic Pancreatitis". PMID 29493950.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ a b c d e Beyer, G; Habtezion, A; Werner, J; Lerch, MM; Mayerle, J (15 August 2020). "Chronic pancreatitis". Lancet (London, England). 396 (10249): 499–512. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31318-0. PMID 32798493.
- ^ a b Wilson, Peter; Watson, Paul; Haythornwaite, Jennifer; Jensen, Troels (2008). Clinical Pain Management : Chronic Pain. CRC Press. p. 553. ISBN 978-1-4441-0981-8.