NSE 22A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 46: Angiography, Spasm, Trypsin
25 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
A continuous, prolonged inflammatory and fibrosing process of the pancreas. Pancreas becomes progressively destroyed as it is replaced with fibrous tissues. Strictures and calcifications may also occur in the pancreas. May follow acute pancreatitis [which is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas], and it may also occur in the absence of any history of acute episodes. In some patients, an identified cause may not be found (idiopathic pancreatitis). In the western countries, 70% of the cases are associated with alcohol abuse. Chronic pancreatitis is typed according to causes: chronic obstructive pancreatitis. Most common cause is inflammation of the sphincter of oddi associated with cholelithiasis. Cancer of the ampulla of vater, the duodenum, or the pancreas can also cause this type of chronic pancreatitis. Occlusion of the bile duct: chronic calcifying pancreatitis. Characterised by inflammation and sclerosis, mainly in the head of the pancreas and around the pancreatic duct. These precipitates block the pancreatic duct and eventually calcify.
