Gastroenterology
Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis
Gastroenterology

Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis

I GET SMASHED + LR > NS + complications.

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Etiology (I GET SMASHED)

  • Idiopathic, Gallstones, ETOH, Trauma, Steroids, Mumps, Autoimmune, Scorpion, Hypercalcemia/hypertriglyceridemia, ERCP, Drugs

Diagnosis (2 of 3)

  • Epigastric pain radiating to back
  • Lipase/amylase >3× ULN
  • Characteristic imaging (CT)

Management

  • Aggressive IV LR (preferred over NS) + pain control + bowel rest
  • Early oral nutrition once tolerated (don't routinely fast)
  • Antibiotics ONLY for infected necrosis
  • ERCP only if gallstone with obstruction or cholangitis
  • Severe hyperTG → insulin infusion or plasmapheresis

Complications

  • Acute peripancreatic fluid collection (<4 weeks)
  • Pancreatic pseudocyst: fluid collection with fibrous wall ≥4 weeks; asymptomatic + <6 cm → observe; symptomatic/large → endoscopic drainage
  • Walled-off necrosis: similar but with necrotic debris
  • Pancreatic abscess: fluid + leukocytosis + fever
  • Recurrent pancreatitis without alcohol/gallstones → check triglycerides
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