Chronic pancreatitis

Causes and Risks:
Chronic pancreatitis is caused by alcohol abuse , hemochromatosis (a condition of excess iron in the blood), and other unknown factors. 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.

Prevention:
Determining the cause of acute pancreatitis and treatment may help to prevent chronic pancreatitis.

Symptoms:
  • abdominal pain
    • greatest in the upper abdomen, may be in the middle of 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

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • weight loss
  • fatty stools

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:



Signs and Tests:

Inflammation of the pancreas may be evident on:

An exploratory laparotomy may be performed to confirm diagnosis.

Treatment:
Management of the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis is achieved by reducing pancreatic stimulation, alleviating fat indigestion , reducing pain, and treating diabetes with the following measures:

Surgery to alleviate an obstruction may be recommended if an anatomic lesion is found. In advanced cases, all or part of the pancreas may be removed.

Prognosis:
This is a serious disease that may lead to disability. The outcome is usually better if abstinence from alcohol is maintained.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of pancreatitis develop.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of pancreatitis worsen or do not improve with treatment.


This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.



CT scan of the upper abdomen showing multiple white-colored calcifications. These occur in chronic pancreatitis.



A CT scan series in a patient with acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).