gastrointestinal disorders
Chronic Pancreatitis
Complications of Chronic Pancreatitis
When lipase and protease secretions are reduced to < 10% of normal, the patient develops Overview of Malabsorption characterized by steatorrhea, the passing of greasy stools, or even oil droplets that float in water and are difficult to flush. In severe cases, undernutrition, weight loss, and malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) may also occur. Glucose intolerance may appear at any time, but overt Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (pancreatogenic diabetes or type 3c diabetes) usually occurs late in the course of chronic pancreatitis. Patients also are at risk of Other complications of chronic pancreatitis include Formation of pseudocysts Obstruction of the bile duct or duodenum Disruption (disconnection) of the pancreatic duct (resulting in Ascites or Thrombosis of the splenic vein (can cause Varices ) Pseudoaneurysms of arteries near the pancreas or pseudocyst Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at increased risk of Pancreatic Cancer , and this risk seems to be greatest for patients with hereditary and tropical pancreatitis. 