13. Pancreatic Disorders and Acute Pancreatitis

The functional unit of the exocrine pancreas, responsible for producing digestive enzymes.

The primary mechanism for stimulating exocrine pancreatic secretion, involving vagal nerve stimulation and acetylcholine release.

A hormone released by the small intestine in response to the presence of protein, stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion.

A complex, inflammatory disease of the pancreas with high morbidity and mortality, characterized by pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes, and potential multi-organ dysfunction.

A common cause of acute pancreatitis, often associated with gallstones obstructing the pancreatic duct.

A cause of acute pancreatitis associated with excessive alcohol intake, leading to pancreatic cell damage and enzyme leakage.

A potential risk factor for acute pancreatitis, linked to excessive dietary fat and protein intake, which can overstimulate pancreatic enzyme production.

A potential contributor to acute pancreatitis, where smoking increases the risk of both acute and chronic pancreatitis.

A pathophysiologic change in acute pancreatitis where pancreatic enzymes become activated, causing damage to surrounding tissues.

A sign of acute pancreatitis characterized by bruising around the belly button, often indicating severe disease.

Fluid is given to patients with pancreatitis to prevent dehydration and support vital organ function. The initial bolus is 10 ml/kg, followed by a continuous infusion of 1.5 ml/kg/hour.

Pancreatitis causes intense pain. To manage this, we use a combination of pain relievers such as paracetamol, metamizole, and even opioids. Epidural analgesia is also an option.

Carbapenems are a type of antibiotic used to prevent infection in patients with pancreatitis. Infections can be a serious complication.

Alcohol and smoking are major contributors to developing chronic pancreatitis. They often occur together, increasing the risk significantly.

Chronic Calcifying Pancreatitis is a type of chronic pancreatitis where calcium deposits form in the pancreas. It can be triggered by alcohol, smoking, genetics or even unknown reasons.

Ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common pancreatic cancer, arises from the exocrine part of the pancreas. It is invasive, meaning it spreads quickly and can metastasize.

KRAS is a gene that helps regulate cell growth. Mutations in KRAS are very common with ductal adenocarcinoma, driving its uncontrolled growth.

Ductal adenocarcinoma often causes symptoms like back pain, unexplained weight loss, tiredness, jaundice, and new-onset diabetes.

Inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes, and potential organ damage. Usually due to gallstones, alcohol abuse, or other factors.

A chronic condition where the pancreas becomes progressively damaged, leading to impaired digestion and possible diabetes.

A malignant tumor arising from the exocrine portion of the pancreas, usually in the ducts.

Process by which pancreatic enzymes become activated inside the pancreas, leading to tissue destruction. This occurs in acute pancreatitis and can worsen the condition.

A high alcohol intake (over 40g/day for men and 20g/day for women) sustained for more than 5 years. It is a major risk factor for chronic pancreatitis.

Fatty acid ethyl esters, produced by alcohol metabolism, disrupt ATP production in acinar cells, the functional unit of the exocrine pancreas. This disruption leads to impaired pancreatic function and potentially pancreatitis.

A specific dietary regimen for managing pancreatitis involves limiting carbohydrate intake to 5-10%, increasing fat intake to 70-75%, and maintaining 20-25% protein intake. This diet aims to reduce pancreatic stress and promote healing.

Increased insulin resistance, often caused by obesity, leads to elevated insulin levels (hypersulinemia). This can overload the pancreas, causing ER stress and potentially contribute to pancreatitis.

Increased pressure inside the pancreatic duct, which can cause damage and inflammation. This can happen because of things like swelling, blockages, or injecting dye during ERCP.

A protein that helps control water movement across cell membranes. Its decrease in pancreatic ductal cells leads to fluid retention and pressure build-up.

A protein involved in sensing pressure in cells. It acts as a pressure sensor and plays a role in the process of inflammation in pancreatitis.

The buildup of digestive enzymes within the pancreas, causing damage and inflammation. It's like the pancreas digesting itself from the inside.

Specialized cells that line the pancreatic duct and play a role in secretion, reabsorption, and pressure regulation.

A significant risk factor for acute pancreatitis, doubling the risk with at least 20 pack years of cigarette smoking.

Increased risk of chronic pancreatitis (CP) with a history of heavy smoking (>35 pack years).

Smoking increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by several folds, depending on the duration and intensity.

Nicotine, even at low concentrations, can trigger pancreatic enzyme release, leading to inflammation.

A type of acute pancreatitis caused by medications.

A complex process involving inflammation, damage to pancreatic cells, and potential organ dysfunction.

A cascade of inflammatory molecules, like DAMPs and NF-KB, contributes to severe acute pancreatitis.

A severe inflammatory response within the body, often triggered by acute pancreatitis, characterized by the release of inflammatory mediators like cytokines.

A serious complication of acute pancreatitis where the body's immune response becomes uncontrolled, leading to widespread tissue damage and organ dysfunction.

A condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties, often a complication of severe acute pancreatitis.

A state of kidney failure, often a sign of severe acute pancreatitis, indicating damage to the kidneys.

Impaired liver function, another serious complication of acute pancreatitis, disrupting the liver's vital roles.

Reduced heart function, often seen in severe acute pancreatitis due to inflammation or circulatory problems.

Inflammation and dysfunction of the brain, a serious complication of acute pancreatitis, possibly due to toxins or infection.

A process that worsens acute pancreatitis, characterized by fluid loss, reduced blood flow to the intestines, and bacterial translocation.

A gene located on chromosome 12p12.1, involved in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and death. Mutations in this gene are very common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, driving uncontrolled cell growth.

A classic sign of pancreatic cancer, often indicating a pancreatic head mass. It involves the simultaneous enlargement of both the pancreatic and biliary ducts.

A rare complication of pancreatic cancer, occurring in about 10% of cases. It involves inflammation of the pancreas, which might further worsen the condition.

The proportion of pancreatic tumors that are not suitable for curative surgery, meaning they are too advanced for complete removal.