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Acute pancreatitis: Difference between revisions
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'''Acute pancreatitis''' is a reversible inflammatory condition of the pancreas that varies in intensity from just oedema and [[adiponecrosis]] to widespread parenchymal necrosis. It occurs when something causes the digestive enzymes to be activated in the pancreas itself, which self-digest the organ. The disease has a significant mortality, around 5%. | '''Acute pancreatitis''' is a reversible inflammatory condition of the pancreas that varies in intensity from just oedema and [[adiponecrosis]] to widespread parenchymal necrosis. It occurs when something causes the digestive enzymes to be activated in the pancreas itself, which self-digest the organ. The disease has a significant mortality, around 5%. | ||
In most patients the disease is mild and patients recover after a few days. However, 20% develop severe (necrotising) pancreatitis with complications or organ failure, which has a high mortality. Having many episodes of acute pancreatitis may lead to chronic pancreatitis. | In most patients the disease is mild and patients recover after a few days. However, 20% develop severe (necrotising) pancreatitis with complications or organ failure, which has a high mortality. Having many episodes of acute pancreatitis may lead to [[chronic pancreatitis]]. | ||
== Etiology == | == Etiology == | ||