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Chronic Pancreatitis exam questions for medical finals, OSCEs and MRCP PACES

 

Question 1.

What are the complications of chronic pancreatitis?

  • Malabsorption
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic pain
  • Pancreatic pseudocyst
    • These can rupture, bleed, or occlude nearby structures like the duodenum or CBD. If present for >6 weeks, spontaneous resolution is unlikely and they should be drained, either surgically or endoscopically into the stomach or duodenum.
  • Ascites or pleural effusions if pancreatic duct is occluded
    • Ascitic or pleural amylase will be elevated
  • Pancreatic carcinoma

Question 2.

What are the causes of chronic pancreatitis?

  • Alcohol
  • Gallstone disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Haemachromatosis
  • Congenital (pancreas divisum)