Acute pancreatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000287.htm

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000287.htm

Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is sudden swelling and inflammation of the pancreas.

Causes
The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces chemicals called enzymes, as well as the hormones insulin and glucagon. Most of the time, the enzymes are only active after they reach the small intestine, where they are needed to digest food. When these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, they digest the tissue of the pancreas. This causes swelling, bleeding (hemorrhage), and damage to the pancreas and its blood vessels. It is called acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis affects men more often than women. Certain diseases, surgeries, and habits make you more likely to develop this condition. The condition is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse (70% of cases in the United States; typically requires 5 to 8 drinks per day for 5 or more years). Genetics may be a factor in some cases. Sometimes the cause is not known, however. Other conditions that have been linked to pancreatitis are: Autoimmune problems (when the immune system attacks the body) Blockage of the pancreatic duct or common bile duct, the tubes that drain enzymes from the pancreas, most often due to gallstones Damage to the ducts or pancreas during surgery High blood levels of a fat called triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) usually above 1000 mg/dL Injury to the pancreas from an accident Other causes include: Complications of cystic fibrosis Hemolytic uremic syndrome Hyperparathyroidism Kawasaki disease Reye syndrome Use of certain medications (especially estrogens, corticosteroids, sulfonamides, thiazides and azathioprine) Viral infections, including mumps, coxsackie B, mycoplasma pneumonia, and campylobacter

Symptoms
The main symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain felt in the upper left side or middle of the abdomen. The pain: May be worse within minutes after eating or drinking at first, especially if foods have a high fat content Becomes constant and more severe, lasting for several days May be worse when lying flat on the back May spread (radiate) to the back or below the left shoulder blade People with acute pancreatitis often look ill and have a fever, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

1 of 4

2/13/2014 5:36 PM

Acute pancreatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000287.htm

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease include: Clay-colored stools Gaseous abdominal fullness Hiccups Indigestion Mild yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) Swollen abdomen

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam, which may show that you have: Abdominal tenderness or lump (mass) Fever Low blood pressure Rapid heart rate Rapid breathing (respiratory) rate Laboratory tests will be done. Tests that show the release of pancreatic enzymes include: Increased blood amylase level Increased serum blood lipase level Increased urine amylase level Other blood tests that can help diagnose pancreatitis or its complications include: Complete blood count (CBC) Comprehensive metabolic panel Imaging tests that can show inflammation of the pancreas include: Abdominal CT scan Abdominal MRI Abdominal ultrasound

Treatment
Treatment often requires a stay in the hospital and may involve: Pain medicines Fluids given through a vein (IV) Stopping food or fluid by mouth to limit the activity of the pancreas Occasionally a tube will be inserted through the nose or mouth to remove the contents of the stomach (nasogastric suctioning). This may be done if vomiting and severe pain do not improve, or if a paralyzed bowel (paralytic ileus) develops. The tube will stay in for 1 - 2 days to 1 - 2 weeks. Treating the condition that caused the problem can prevent repeated attacks. In some cases, therapy is needed to: Drain fluid that has collected in or around the pancreas Remove gallstones Relieve blockages of the pancreatic duct In the most severe cases, surgery is needed to remove damaged, dead or infected pancreatic tissue. Avoid smoking, alcoholic drinks, and fatty foods after the attack has improved.

2 of 4

2/13/2014 5:36 PM

Acute pancreatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000287.htm

Outlook (Prognosis)
Most cases go away in a week. However, some cases develop into a life-threatening illness. The death rate is high with: Hemorrhagic pancreatitis Liver, heart, or kidney impairment Necrotizing pancreatitis Pancreatitis can return. The likelihood of it returning depends on the cause, and how successfully it can be treated.

Possible Complications
Acute kidney failure Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) Cysts or abscesses in the pancreas Heart failure Low blood pressure Repeat episodes of acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if: You have intense, constant abdominal pain You develop other symptoms of acute pancreatitis

Prevention
You may lower your risk of new or repeat episodes of pancreatitis by taking steps to prevent the medical conditions that can lead to the disease: Avoid aspirin when treating a fever in children, especially if they may have a viral illness, to reduce the risk of Reye syndrome. Do NOT drink too much alcohol. Make sure children receive vaccines to protect them against mumps and other childhood illnesses (see: Immunizations - general overview). Treat medical conditions that contribute to hypertriglyceridemia.

References
Banks PA, Freeman ML, and the Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Practice guidelines in acute pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101:2379-2400. Forsmark CE. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Shafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 146. Forsmark CE, Baillie J. AGA Institute Techical Reviewe on acute pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 2007;132:2022-2044. Frossard JL, Steer ML, Pastor CM. Acute pancreatitis. Lancet. 2008;371:143-152.

Update Date: 2/19/2012

Updated by: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

3 of 4

2/13/2014 5:36 PM

Acute pancreatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000287.htm

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2014, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.

4 of 4

2/13/2014 5:36 PM