Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis is a long-term condition involving persistent inflammation of the pancreas. Over time, this ongoing damage causes the pancreas to shrink (atrophy), develop scar tissue (fibrosis), and sometimes harden with deposits (calcification).
What Causes It?
The damage leading to chronic pancreatitis can stem from several causes:
- Alcohol: Heavy, long-term alcohol consumption is a major culprit.
- Autoimmune: The body's immune system attacks the pancreas (known as Autoimmune Pancreatitis).
- Idiopathic: The cause is unknown.
- Hereditary: A genetic predisposition passed down through families.
- Metabolic Issues: Conditions like Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) or persistently increased lipids (fats) in the blood can be factors.
What Are the Symptoms?
As the pancreas becomes damaged, it struggles to perform its functions, leading to three main symptoms:
- Abdominal Pain: Often severe and recurring pain in the belly.
- Diabetes: The pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar.
- Steatorrhea: The inability to properly digest fats, resulting in foul-smelling, fatty stools (fat loss in stool).
How It's Diagnosed?
Doctors use detailed imaging to assess the damage to the pancreas:
- Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS): A highly detailed ultrasound performed via an endoscope, providing clear images of the pancreas and ducts.
- CECT (Contrast-Enhanced CT) Abdomen: A detailed scan used to check for calcification, atrophy, and inflammation.
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): A special type of MRI that focuses on the pancreatic and bile ducts to look for blockages or irregularities.
Treatment:
Management focuses on controlling pain, improving digestion, and treating complications:
- Pancreatic Enzyme Supplementation: Taking medication to replace the digestive enzymes the damaged pancreas can no longer produce, which helps with steatorrhea and nutrient absorption.
- Analgesics: Pain relievers to manage chronic abdominal pain.
- Antioxidants: Used to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) and Stent Placement: An endoscopic procedure used to place stents to open blocked pancreatic or bile ducts.
- EUS-Guided Celiac Plexus Block: An injection guided by EUS used to block the nerves that transmit pain signals from the pancreas, providing significant pain relief.