Acute pancreatitis
Definition:
An inflammation of the pancreas, an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The chief causes of acute pancreatitis in adults are gallstones, other biliary (related to the gallbladder) disease, and alcohol use. Viral infection (mumps, coxsackie B, mycoplasma pneumonia, and campylobacter), injury, pancreatic or common bile duct surgical procedures, and certain medications (especially estrogens, corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, acetaminophen, tetracycline) are other causes.
The mechanism that causes pancreatitis is not well known. It is thought that enzymes normally secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form become activated inside the pancreas and start to digest the pancreatic tissue. This process is called autodigestion and causes swelling, hemorrhage, and damage to the blood vessels. An attack may last for 48 hours.
The disease affects men more often than women. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people. Alcohol abuse is a risk factor.
In children, this disorder may be associated with:
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