Veterinary Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnosis-II

Common diseases of the pancreas

COMMON DISEASE OF THE PANCREAS

Pancreatitis

• The primary diseases of the pancreas are pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It usually presents with abdominal pain and can cause nausea and vomiting.This may be classified as Acute pancreatitis or Chronic pancreatitis, and cancer of the pancreas.

Acute pancreatitis

• It may be a single or a recurring event, and usually occurs suddenly. 
• The abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis is often severe. 
•  Acute pancreatitis often presents with raised levels of pancreatic enzymes like amylase and lipase in the blood. 
• Other causes may include biliary tract disease (obstruction, gallstones or sludge), alcohol excess, physical trauma to the abdomen, hyperlipidemia and hypercalcemia.

Chronic pancreatitis

• It is characterized by persistent abdominal pain and may or may not present with raised pancreatic enzymes. 
• It develops gradually and results in slow destruction of the pancreas, and can lead to other problems like pancreatic insufficiency, bacterial infections, and Type 2 diabetes. 
• The main causes of chronic pancreatitis are gall bladder disease (ductal obstruction) and alcoholism. 
• Other causes of chronic pancreatitis include cystic fibrosis, hypercalcemia, hyperlipidemia, some drugs, and autoimmune conditions.

Pancreatic Cancer

• Risks include smoking, age, gender (more common in men), chronic pancreatitis, and exposure to some industrial chemicals.
• Most (95%) pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, developing in the exocrine tissues.

Pancreatic Insufficiency

• Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the pancreas to produce and/or transport enough digestive enzymes to break down food in the intestine and allow its absorption.
• It typically occurs as a result of progressive pancreatic damage caused by a variety of conditions.