pancreas

What type of organ is the pancreas considered?

A retroperitoneal organ.

Where is the head of the pancreas located?

In the C-loop of the duodenum.

What are the two main functions of the pancreas?

Endocrine and exocrine functions.

What cells perform the exocrine function of the pancreas?

Acinar cells.

Which enzymes are produced by the pancreas?

Amylase, lipase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypolypeptidase.

What is the main pancreatic duct also known as?

Duct of Wirsung.

What is the role of the islet of Langerhans?

To produce hormones like insulin and glucagon.

What is the accessory duct of the pancreas called?

Duct of Santorini.

What arteries supply blood to the head of the pancreas?

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA).

What arteries supply blood to the body and tail of the pancreas?

Splenic artery and superior mesenteric artery.

What is pancreatic divisum?

An abnormal fusion of the pancreatic ducts during embryologic development.

What is the most common congenital anomaly of the pancreas?

Pancreatic divisum.

What is the result of annular pancreas?

The ventral part encases the duodenum, potentially leading to duodenal obstruction.

What is the significance of serum amylase in diagnosing pancreatitis?

It increases with pancreatitis and remains elevated for approximately 24 hours.

How long does serum lipase remain elevated in pancreatitis?

Up to 14 days.

What indicates a glucose metabolic disorder?

An increase in blood glucose levels.

What are common indications for a pancreatic exam?

Severe epigastric pain, abdominal pain radiating to the back, and biliary disease.

What is the normal echogenicity of the pancreas compared to the liver?

Greater than that of the liver and equal to or greater than that of the spleen.

What structures may mimic the pancreatic duct on imaging?

Splenic vein, splenic artery, and posterior wall of the stomach.

What defines pancreatitis?

Inflammation of the pancreas due to leakage of pancreatic enzymes from acinar cells.

What is the normal AP measurement of the main pancreatic duct?

Should not exceed 2 mm.

What is the typical measurement range for the pancreatic head and body?

Pancreatic head and body = 2 - 3 cm; tail = 1 - 2 cm.

What are the two types of pancreatitis?

Acute and chronic pancreatitis.

What are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis?

Chronic alcohol abuse and biliary disease.

What severe complications can arise from acute pancreatitis?

Necrosis, hemorrhage, shock, ileus, and decreased hematocrit.

What are the clinical findings of acute pancreatitis?

Elevated amylase and lipase, leukocytosis, abdominal pain, back pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

What are the sonographic findings of acute pancreatitis?

Normal appearance, diffusely enlarged hypoechoic pancreas, focal hypoechoic areas, anechoic fluid collections, pancreatic pseudocysts, and abscess formation.

What is chronic pancreatitis?

Repeated occurrences of pancreatic inflammation leading to destruction of the organ, atrophy, fibrosis, and calcification.

What are the common causes of chronic pancreatitis?

Alcoholism, nonalcoholic duct-destructive pancreatitis, hyperparathyroidism, congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, pancreatic duct obstruction, and trauma.

What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?

Asymptomatic, persistent epigastric pain, jaundice, back pain, possible elevation in amylase or lipase, anorexia, vomiting, weight loss, and constipation.

What are the sonographic findings of chronic pancreatitis?

Heterogeneous or hyperechoic atrophic gland, calcifications, pancreatic pseudocysts, dilated pancreatic duct, and stones within the pancreatic duct.

What is a pancreatic pseudocyst?

A complication of pancreatitis where pancreatic enzymes escape and form a sterile abscess, often in the lesser sac.

What is pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

The most common primary malignancy of the pancreas, often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

What are the common symptoms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

Elevated amylase/lipase, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, epigastric pain, and Courvoisier gallbladder.

What are the sonographic findings of pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

Hypoechoic mass in the head of the pancreas, dilated CBD and pancreatic duct, and possible metastasis.

What is the Whipple procedure?

A surgical procedure that removes the head of the pancreas, gallbladder, some bile ducts, and proximal duodenum.

What are serous cystadenomas?

Small, benign tumors of the pancreas that appear as cystic masses on imaging.

What distinguishes mucinous cystadenomas from serous cystadenomas?

Mucinous cystadenomas are larger, have malignant potential, and appear as multilocular cystic masses with mural nodules.

What are the advantages of general radiography for pancreatic assessment?

Initial assessment can show abnormal gas patterns, calcifications, and intestinal distension.

What are the disadvantages of general radiography?

Radiation exposure and nonspecific findings.

What is ERCP and its purpose?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a procedure to examine diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

What are the advantages of CT imaging for the pancreas?

High specificity and sensitivity, preferred modality for pancreatic imaging.

What are the disadvantages of CT imaging?

Radiation exposure and potential iodine exposure.

What is the role of MRI in pancreatic imaging?

Provides similar information to CT but with no radiation exposure.

What does PET imaging show?

Metabolic or biochemical function of tissues, with cancer cells appearing brighter due to higher metabolic activity.