Complications of inflammation of the pancreas
An untreated chronic inflammation of the pancreas can lead to serious complications. Among the most common problems that arise in the course of chronic pancreatitis are pseudocysts within the tissue of the pancreas and abscesses. In addition, thrombosis of the spleen and portal vein system and associated portal hypertension may occur during the course of the disease.
Many of the affected patients also develop stenoses in the area of the bile duct system. The consequence of this narrowing is a backlog of bile with visible yellowing of the sclerae and skin (icterus). A late complication, especially in hereditary forms of chronic inflammation of the pancreas, is the development of malignant changes in pancreatic tissue (pancreatic carcinoma).
Diagnosis of inflammation of the pancreas
Even the questioning of the affected patients can provide an initial indication of the presence of a chronic inflammation of the pancreas.Clinically, patients typically show pronounced emaciation (cachexia). The abdomen of a person suffering from chronic pancreatitis is usually distended and bulging. In medical terminology, this phenomenon is known as “rubber stomach“.
In addition, intestinal sounds are often attenuated due to the reduced function of the pancreas. Palpation of the abdomen can typically provoke a pressure pain. If there is a persistent suspicion of a chronic inflammation of the pancreas, a blood test often provides certainty.
In serum blood, the pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) are usually found to be significantly elevated. Lowered chymotrypsin and elastase concentrations can be detected in the stool of affected patients. To detect a reduced function of the exocrine part of the pancreas, the so-called “secretin-pancreozymin test” can be performed.
For this purpose, the suspected patient receives an intravenous injection of the hormone secretin. The secretion secreted by the pancreas is then collected by a small intestine probe and the concentrations of bicarbonate, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase are determined. Calcifications that develop in the course of chronic inflammation of the pancreas can in most cases be detected by ultrasound examination. Other diagnostic methods are computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.