Pancreatitis

Pathology

• Pancreas is edematous and enlarged.
• Pancreas can show extensive necrosis, acute inflammation, suppuration and/or hemorrhage.
• There can be extensive peripancreatic inflammation.
• Fluid can accumulate in lesser sac and pleural space and paracolic gutters.
• Neutrophils infiltrate the edge of the necrotic areas and extend into the adjacent lobules of fat and produce fat necrosis.
• Calcification can be seen in chronic pancreatitis.

Potential complications

• Abscess/pseudocyst
  • As liquefaction of necrotic pancreatic tissue progresses, it will gradually take on the appearance of localized fluid collection - pseudocyst
  • This may be in the region of the pancreas or extend beyond the pancreatic region
• Pancreatic rupture/hemorrhage
• Obstructive jaundice
• Pulmonary complications in severely ill patients - ARDS
• GI obstruction
• Acute renal failure