Pancreatic ductal system obstruction and acute recurrent pancreatitis

Treatment of acute pancreatitis with pancreatic duct decompression via ERCP: A case report series

Acute pancreatitis is a common disorder in the gastrointestinal system, which is characterized by an increasing incidence and a high mortality. Currently, symptomatic treatment becomes the predominant option for the treatment of acute pancreatitis. To date, there is little knowledge on the treatment of acute pancreatitis through alleviation of pancreatic ductal hypertension and removal of pancreatic ductal obstruction. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an effective treatment for acute biliary pancreatitis, may alleviate the obstruction and edema in the common channel of the bile duct and pancreatic duct, to achieve the indirect treatment of acute pancreatitis, and may achieve the removal of intrapancreatic ductal obstruction and reduction in the intrapancreatic ductal pressure. Hereby, we report 3 cases with acute pancreatitis that were successfully treated by the pancreatic duct decompression via ERCP in one single center from China. Our data demonstrate that pancreatic duct decompression via ERCP is effective for the treatment of acute pancreatitis, which may shorten the course of acute pancreatitis through alleviating pain, shortening fasting duration and controlling the inflammatory reactions. It is recommended to use further prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pancreatic duct decompression via ERCP for acute pancreatitis.

Pancreatoduodenectomy for Periampullary Tumors Presenting with Acute Pancreatitis

Background

Periampullary tumors (PT) may rarely present as acute pancreatitis (AP) or acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP). Unlike other cases of AP and ARP, these conditions necessitate pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and timely diagnosis is crucial. Materials and Methods. A retrospective review of clinical, radiological, surgical, and pathological data was conducted for patients admitted to the Binzhou Medical University Hospital during the period from January 2010 to December 2017, for AP or ARP caused by PT. All patients included in the study group had undergone PD. The perioperative data for these patients was compared with data for patients with PT but without AP or ARP who underwent PD during the same period (control group).

Results

During the study period, 412 patients with AP or ARP were treated; among this group, 15 patients had PT. Compared with controls, patients in the study group were younger in age and had a longer course of disease, more frequent hospitalizations, and more severe derangements in laboratory data (P < 0.05). Operative time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly higher in the study group, but the incidence of postoperative outcomes such as pancreatic/biliary fistula, abdominal infection, postoperative hospital stay, and mortality were similar between groups (P < 0.05). Operative time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly higher in the study group, but the incidence of postoperative outcomes such as pancreatic/biliary fistula, abdominal infection, postoperative hospital stay, and mortality were similar between groups (

Conclusions

Neither AP nor ARP has any adverse impact on the outcomes of PD. However, in the treatment of younger patients suffering from AP or ARP, unexplained pancreatic duct dilation and weight loss should raise the suspicion of PT. EUS and EUS-FNA may be helpful in making the diagnosis.

Acute management of pancreatitis: the key to best outcomes

Acute pancreatitis (AP) accounts for over 230 000 US and 28 000 UK hospital admissions annually. Abdominal pain is the most common presenting symptom in AP but may not reflect severity. The clinical challenge is identifying the 20% of patients in whom AP will be severe. We summarise the common aetiologies, the risk stratification strategies including the simplified Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis, acute management approaches in the initial presentation setting, conditions for using advance imaging and opinions on antibiotic use. Some warning signs of impending complications are also discussed.

Idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis

Idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis is clinically challenging and has substantial socioeconomic consequences. Investigations are expensive and often reveal little about the cause of the disease. Little is known about the interaction between genetic, environmental, anatomical, and other factors that contribute to the disease. Data on the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic therapies are scarce. The effect of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis on quality of life is often underestimated. A more thorough examination of the causes of the disease and the roles of other associated risk factors is needed, as are well designed clinical studies with robust and objectively measurable outcomes. Ideally, evaluation of the causes of disease and therapy should be done only in specialised centres, should follow a protocol, and all outcomes should be formally assessed.

The efficacy of endoscopic therapy for pancreas divisum: a meta-analysis

Background

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis assessing the efficacy and predictors of success of endoscopic therapy in the management of patients with pancreas divisum.

Methods

An electronic database search (PubMed and ScienceDirect) was performed for relevant studies. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria and data were extracted on patient population, follow up, endotherapy methods, success rates and complication rates. A random-effect model was used to pool the effect size across studies. Heterogeneity testing and publication bias assessment were performed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of successful endoscopic therapy.

Results

Of 381 articles reviewed, 23 studies with 874 patients met the inclusion criteria. All were case series with suboptimal quality. Endoscopic therapy included minor papilla sphincterotomy, minor papilla sphincteroplasty and dorsal duct stenting. Mean follow-up duration was 37 months. The rate of “improvement” as defined by authors after endoscopic therapy varied significantly across studies, ranging from 31-96%: 589/874 patients were reported to have improved, corresponding to a pooled efficacy rate of 67.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.610-0.734; P=0.0001). The pooled rate of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was 10.1% (95%CI 0.084-0.124; 2-sided P=0.0001). On subgroup analysis, patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis had better endoscopic outcomes (pooled efficacy rate 76%, 95%CI 0.712-0.803, P=0.0001). Dorsal duct stenting and longer follow up were the only parameters predictive of successful endotherapy. Significant heterogeneity was observed within and across studies.

Conclusions

Endoscopic efficacy in pancreas divisum is estimated at 67.5%. Available studies are of poor quality with significant heterogeneity. Comparative studies with rigorous methodology are needed.

Pancreatic cancer causing acute pancreatitis: a comparative study with cancer patients without pancreatitis and pancreatitis patients without cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Although pancreatic cancer produces upstream obstructive pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis is a less common manifestation of pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to clarify the subgroup of pancreatic cancer patients who present with an episode of acute pancreatitis (Group I) in comparison with a matched group of pancreatic cancer patients without pancreatitis (Group II) and another group of acute pancreatitis patients without pancreatic cancer (Group III).

METHODS

This was a retrospective comparative study of 18 patients in Group I, 300 patients in Group II and 141 patients in Group III.

RESULTS

The mean age of Group I was 63.7 years and the male to female ration was 1:0.3. Serum CA 19-9 levels were elevated in 80 %. The main pancreatic duct was incompletely obstructed in 7 patients. There were no significant differences in location of tumor, clinical stage, resection rate and survival months between Group I and II. Acute pancreatitis secondary to pancreatic cancer was more likely to be mild (94 vs. 72 %,p < 0.05) and relapsed (39 vs. 16 %,p < 0.05) compared with Group III.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomic evaluation of the pancreas should be performed in patients with acute pancreatitis with no obvious etiology, even if the pancreatitis is mild, to search for underlying malignancy.

The angle of pancreaticobiliary junction correlates with acute pancreatitis: a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography study

OBJECTIVE

To study the correlation between the angle of the pancreaticobiliary junction (APJ) and the prevalence of acute pancreatitis using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2014 to October 2014, thirty two subjects with normal pancreas (group A) and 40 patients with acute pancreatitis (group B) who underwent MRCP were enrolled into our study. The type of biliary duct and main pancreatic duct joining the duodenal wall was reviewed and divided into V, B-P and P-B type. The V type is the pancreatic duct and biliary duct joining the duodenal wall without a common channel; the B-P type is the biliary duct draining into the pancreatic duct and forming a common channel; and the P-B type is the pancreatic duct draining into the biliary duct and forming a common channel. APJ was measured on MRCP. The correlation between the APJ and the prevalence of acute pancreatitis was analyzed.

RESULTS

The APJ in group A was smaller than in group B (51.45°±13.51° vs. 65.76°±15.61°, P<0.05). According to the type of biliary duct and main pancreatic duct joining the duodenal wall, the prevalence of acute pancreatitis in the V type and in the B-P type was higher than in the P-B type (12/17 vs. 10/29, or 18/26 vs. 10/29, respectively, all P<0.05), whereas there were no significant difference for the prevalence of acute pancreatitis between the V type and B-P type (P>0.05). The APJ were 59.32°±20.04°, 60.22°±11.06°, 57.13°±17.27°, respectively in V type, B-P type and P-B type joining of main pancreatic duct (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A larger APJ is related to a higher prevalence of acute pancreatitis.

Outcome of endotherapy for pancreas divisum in patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis

AIM: To assess the rate of relapses of acute pancreatitis (AP), recurrent AP (RAP) and the evolution of endosonographic signs of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in patients with pancreas divisum (PDiv) and RAP.

METHODS: Over a five-year period, patients with PDiv and RAP prospectively enrolled were divided into two groups: (1) those with relapses of AP in the year before enrollment were assigned to have endoscopic therapy (recent RAP group); and (2) those free of recurrences were conservatively managed, unless they relapsed during follow-up (previous RAP group). All patients in both groups entered a follow-up protocol that included clinical and biochemical evaluation, pancreatic endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) every year and after every recurrence of AP, at the same time as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

RESULTS: Twenty-two were treated by ERCP and 14 were conservatively managed during a mean follow-up of 4.5 ± 1.2 years. In the recent RAP group in whom dorsal duct drainage was achieved, AP still recurred in 11 (57.9%) after the first ERCP, in 6 after the second ERCP (31.6%) and in 5 after the third ERCP (26.3%). Overall, endotherapy was successful 73.7%. There were no cases of recurrences in the previous RAP group. EUS signs of CP developed in 57.9% of treated and 64.3% of untreated patients. EUS signs of CP occurred in 42.8% of patients whose ERCPs were successful and in all those in whom it was unsuccessful (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the rate of AP recurrences after endotherapy and in the prevalence of EUS signs suggesting CP when comparing patients with dilated and non-dilated dorsal pancreatic ducts within each group.

CONCLUSION: Patients with PDiv and recent episodes of AP can benefit from endoscopic therapy. Effective endotherapy may reduce the risk of developing EUS signs of CP at a rate similar to that seen in patients of previous RAP group, managed conservatively. However, in a subset of patients, endotherapy, although successful, did not prevent the evolution of endosonographic signs of CP.

Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis in young patients

The main treatment strategies for chronic pancreatitis in young patients include therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) intervention and surgical intervention. Therapeutic ERCP intervention is performed much more extensively for its minimally invasive nature, but a part of patients are referred to surgery at last. Historical and follow-up data of 21 young patients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing duodenum-preserving total pancreatic head resection were analyzed to evaluate the outcomes of therapeutic ERCP intervention and surgical intervention in this study. The surgical complications of repeated therapeutic ERCP intervention and surgical intervention were 38% and 19% respectively. During the first therapeutic ERCP intervention to surgical intervention, 2 patients developed diabetes, 5 patients developed steatorrhea, and 5 patients developed pancreatic type B pain. During the follow-up of surgical intervention, 1 new case of diabetes occurred, 1 case of steatorrhea recovered, and 4 cases of pancreatic type B pain were completely relieved. In a part of young patients with chronic pancreatitis, surgical intervention was more effective than therapeutic ERCP intervention on delaying the progression of the disease and relieving the symptoms.

Acinarization (parenchymal blush) observed during secretin-enhanced MRCP: clinical implications

OBJECTIVE

T2 hyperintensity of pancreatic acini during secretin-enhanced MRCP is called "acinarization." We sought to determine the clinical significance of this finding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were selected if the radiology report included the phrases "acin*" (where * represented a wild card search) or "blush" using the institution's customized lexicon-search software. Sixty-seven consecutive patients without acinarization on secretin-enhanced MRCP who also underwent ERCP were enrolled as the control group. The intensity of acinarization was classified into three groups: grade 0, no visible acinarization; grade 1, barely visible parenchymal hyperintensity; or grade 2, easily visible parenchymal hyperintensity. ERCP findings of ductal abnormalities and basal pancreatic sphincter manometry were recorded.

RESULTS

There were higher frequencies of divisum (p = 0.001) and of a clinical history of recurrent acute pancreatitis (p < 0.001) and higher basal pancreatic sphincter of Oddi manometric pressure measurements (p = 0.008) in the acinarization group. There was no difference in the frequency of ERCP-defined chronic pancreatitis (p = 0.10) between the groups. In patients with acinarization, a higher mean sphincter pressure was seen in patients with more intense acinarization than in those with faint acinarization, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.22). Ampullary tumors were found in four patients with acinarization.

CONCLUSION

Acinarization probably occurs in patients with a propensity for increased pancreatic ductal pressure (i.e., patients with divisum, elevated basal pancreatic sphincter pressure, ampullary tumor) and adequate exocrine function (absence of severe chronic pancreatitis).

Apoptotic damage of pancreatic ductal epithelia by alcohol and its rescue by an antioxidant

Alcohol abuse is a major cause of pancreatitis. However alcohol toxicity has not been fully elucidated in the pancreas and little is known about the effect of alcohol on pancreatic ducts. We report the molecular mechanisms of ethanol-induced damage of pancreatic duct epithelial cells (PDEC). Ethanol treatment for 1, 4, and 24 h resulted in cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The ethanol-induced cell damage was mainly apoptosis due to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and activation of caspase-3 enzyme. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuated these cellular responses and reduced cell death significantly, suggesting a critical role for ROS. Acetaldehyde, a metabolic product of alcohol dehydrogenase, induced significant cell death, depolarization of MMP, and caspase-3 activation as ethanol and this damage was also averted by NAC. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed the expression of several subtypes of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data confirmed the accumulation of acetaldehyde in ethanol-treated cells, suggesting that acetaldehyde formation can contribute to alcohol toxicity in PDEC. Finally, ethanol increased the leakage of PDEC monolayer which was again attenuated by NAC. In conclusion, ethanol induces apoptosis of PDEC and thereby may contribute to the development of alcohol-induced pancreatitis.

Santorinicele without pancreas divisum pathophysiology: initial clinical and radiographic investigations

BACKGROUND

Only one case of santorinicele without pancreas divisum pathophysiology (SWOPP) was previously reported. The purpose of the study was to determine the gross prevalence of SWOPP and santorinicele with pancreas divisum (SWPD) in community and patient populations, and investigate their clinical and radiographic features.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary referral centre. The Patient group comprised 2035 consecutive patients enrolled in the study who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) studies. The Community group comprised 2905 consecutive subjects who participated in our whole-body medical check-up program that routinely includes MRCP studies. SWOPP was diagnosed when a saccular dilatation of the terminal portion of the dorsal pancreatic duct was observed unaccompanied by pancreas divisum or dominant dorsal duct. The prevalence of SWOPP and SWPD, and the clinical and radiological features were assessed in each group.

RESULTS

Five cases of SWOPP were found in the Patient group (age range, 67-85 years; mean age, 73.6 years) (5/2035 = 0.25%; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.57); there were no cases of SWOPP in the Community group (0/2905 = 0.00%; 95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.10) (P = 0.01). Previous history of pancreatitis (4/5) and chronic pancreatitis (3/5) was more common in patients with SWOPP than in other subjects in the Patient or Community groups (both P < 0.05). Two cases of SWOPP were accompanied by reverse-Z type meandering main pancreatic duct. Six cases of SWPD were found. These cases were asymptomatic in 4/6, had a larger santorinicele (6.9 mm) than SWOPP patients (4.5 mm; P = 0.02), and were not associated with pancreatitis (0/6).

CONCLUSIONS

The second to sixth reported cases of SWOPP were presented. SWOPP is a relatively rare condition found mostly in patients suffering pancreatitis, especially chronic pancreatitis, and may be an acquired condition. Santorinicele is not always accompanied by pancreas divisum.

[Ansa pancreatica: a rare cause of acute pancreatitis]

L’ansa pancréatica est une voie de communication accessoire entre le canal de Wirsung et un conduit pancréatique accessoire ne présentant pas de jonction normale avec le premier. L’association entre cette variante anatomique et la pancréatite aigue dite idiopathique reste hypothétique. Nous rapportons l’observation d’un patient présentant des poussées de pancréatites récidivantes qui serait en rapport avec une Ansa pancréatica.

Meandering main pancreatic duct as a relevant factor to the onset of idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis

Background

Meandering main pancreatic duct (MMPD), which comprises loop type and reverse-Z type main pancreatic duct (MPD), has long been discussed its relation to pancreatitis. However, no previous study has investigated its clinical significance. We aimed to determine the non-biased prevalence and the effect of MMPD on idiopathic pancreatitis using non-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) technique.

Methods and Findings

A cross-sectional study performed in a tertiary referral center. The study enrolled 504 subjects from the community and 30 patients with idiopathic pancreatitis (7 acute, 13 chronic, and 10 recurrent acute). All subjects underwent MR scanning and medical examination. MMPD was diagnosed when the MPD in the head of pancreas formed two or more extrema in the horizontal direction on coronal images of MR cholangiopancreatography, making a loop or a reverse-Z shaped hairpin curves and not accompanied by other pancreatic ductal anomaly. Statistical comparison was made among groups on the rate of MMPD including loop and reverse-Z subtypes, MR findings, and clinical features. The rate of MMPD was significantly higher for all idiopathic pancreatitis/idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) (20%/40%; P<0.001/0.0001; odds ratio (OR), 11.1/29.0) than in the community (2.2%) but was not higher for acute/chronic pancreatitis (14%/8%; P = 0.154/0.266). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed MMPD to be a significant factor that induces pancreatitis/RAP (P<0.0001/0.0001; OR, 4.01/26.2). Loop/reverse-Z subtypes were found more frequently in idiopathic RAP subgroup (20%/20%; P = 0.009/0.007; OR, 20.2/24.2) than in the community (1.2%/1.0%). The other clinical and radiographic features were shown not associated with the onset of pancreatitis.

Conclusions

MMPD is a common anatomical variant and might be a relevant factor to the onset of idiopathic RAP.

Pancreas divisum

We review important new clinical observations in pancreas divisum (PD) made since 2007. PD is common and has the same prevalence in the general population and idiopathic pancreatitis (IP). Up to 53% of patients with PD and IP have underlying idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (CP), and in rigorous prospective clinical follow-up and/or natural history studies, many with idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis (IRAP) have idiopathic CP. According to retrospective studies, PD does not modify the natural course of nonalcoholic or alcoholic CP. CFTR and/or SPINK1 gene mutations associate with IP (idiopathic CP and IRAP) independently of the presence of PD. More than one third of patients with pancreatitis or presumed pancreaticobiliary pain respond to placebo. Authors of uncontrolled studies report a significant symptomatic response to surgery and endotherapy in patients with IP and PD, but the response remains unproven and is largely limited to those with IRAP and not idiopathic CP or chronic pain.

Endoscopic ultrasonography and idiopathic acute pancreatitis

Idiopathic acute pancreatitis is a diagnostic challenge for gastroenterologists. The possibility of finding a cause for pancreatitis usually relies on how far the diagnostic study is taken. Endoscopic explorations such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography can help to determine the cause of pancreatitis. Furthermore, microscopic bile examination and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography can also be helpful in the work up of these patients. In this article an approximation to the diagnostic approach to patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis is made, taking into account the reported evidence with which to choose between the different available explorations.

Pancreatic disease in children and adolescents

Many childhood pancreatic disorders are rare, although they can represent significant and potentially severe disease. The spectrum of disease is very broad, ranging from the complex and bizarre congenital anomalies to the more typical acquired causes (e.g., drug-induced pancreatitis or trauma injury). Genetics appears to play a major role in many childhood pancreas diseases, unlike adults where alcohol is a major factor. Nevertheless, there are similarities, and most of the disorders discussed here can be found in both the pediatric and adult age groups. Some of these disorders may be evolving and may be seen in both young and older patients. Newer imaging modalities and therapeutic endoscopy continue to be studied, although their ultimate role and utility in children has yet to be fully elucidated.

Acute pancreatitis: risk of recurrence and late consequences of the disease

Research into the clinical management of acute pancreatitis has primarily focused on the immediate complications of the disease, whereas its late consequences have received less attention. These late sequelae of acute pancreatitis refer to complications that arise after the convalescence period, which lasts for 3-6 months after the initial episode. In patients who do not undergo necrosectomy that involves removal of the exocrine gland, pancreatic exocrine function usually improves rather than deteriorates during follow-up. By contrast, glucose intolerance is likely to worsen over time in all patients with acute pancreatitis. Despite the risk of late complications for patients with acute pancreatitis, their long-term quality of life is usually good. The number of pancreatitis episodes a patient has experienced is an important factor that determines the severity of late complications of acute pancreatitis. Risk factors for the recurrence of acute pancreatitis episodes have now been identified. This Review focuses on data from studies that investigated the risk factors for recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis, and discusses the late consequences of this disease.

Curative effect of Dachengqi decoction as an adjutant therapy on recurrent acute pancreatitis: an analysis of 25 cases

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Dachengqi decoction as an adjutant therapy on recurrent acute pancreatitis.

METHODS: Fifty patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis were randomly divided into control group (n = 25) and treatment group (n = 25). Control group received routine comprehensive treatment only while treatment group received additional Dachengqi decoction as an adjutant therapy. Clinical manifestations such as the acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ) score, serum amylase, abdominal pain on day 1, 3, 5 were assessed and analyzed in addition to duration of fasting and hospitalization, incidence of complications and recurrence rate of 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, (APACHEⅡ) score on day 3 (6.03 ± 0.36 vs 9.07 ± 0.52, P < 0.05) and leukocyte count (10.37 ± 1.22 × 10⁹vs 14.91 ± 1.41 × 10⁹, P < 0.05), serum amylase (57 ± 19 vs 101 ± 22, P < 0.05) on day 5 were significantly decreased; the time of fasting (6.1 ± 1.1 vs 10.4 ± 1.5, P < 0.05), abdominal pain (3.3 ± 1.2 vs 5.4 ± 1.4, P < 0.05), abdominal distention (4.2 ± 2.5 vs 7.1 ± 2.2, P < 0.05) and duration of hospitalization (11.6 ± 3.3 vs 19.7 ± 4.2, P < 0.05), the incidence of complications (12% vs 24%, P < 0.05) and relapse rate of one-year follow-up (24% vs 52%, P < 0.05) were significantly reduced in treatment group.

CONCLUSION: Dachengqi decoction has some accessory effect for the patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis.