Explaining features of chronic pancreatitis PAIN: it results from
increased intraductal pressure due to fibrotic obstruction of the ducts and
irritation of peripancreatic nerves by the inflammatory process, pain is chronic slowly progressive and relentless with
acute exacerbations (attacks of 'mini' acute pancreatitis) some patients find relieve of pain by
drinking alcohol which is the main culprit in chronic pancreatitis.
WEIGHT LOSS: Results from avoidance of food due to
postprandial pain (due to release of secretin that stimulate pancreas secretion) anorexia,
malabsorption (due to loss of exocrine tissue) and
insulin defeciency (due to destruction of islets). STEATORRHEA: result from fat malabsorption due to loss of pancreatic lipase, this occur when
more than 90% of pancreatic tissue is lost. HOT WATER BOTTLE SYNDROME: some patients find relief by application of heat resulting in erythema ab igne (pigmentations).
See above figure.
