GASTROENTEROLOGY ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
August 19, 2010
Wu BU, Conwell DL. Acute pancreatitis Part II: Approach to follow up. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010;8:417-422.
1. The most common presentation of a symptomatic pseudoaneurysm related to acute pancreatitis is:
a. abdominal pain
b. low hemoglobin and iron deficiency
c. hemosuccus pancreaticus
d. asymptomatic finding on CT scan
True or False
2. Fluid collections developing in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis typically contain necrotic debris that can serve as a nidus for infection
3. Pseudocysts typically develop in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis
4. Pancreatic ascites or high-amylase pleural effusions is an indication for ERCP to identify a ruptured pancreatic duct.
5. In general, a conservative approach is recommended for all asymptomatic fluid collections and intervention considered only for symptomatic ones.
6. Fecal elastase testing of formed stool may be helpful in detecting pancreatic insufficiency
7. Vascular thrombosis in the pancreatic bed rarely occurs in milder forms of pancreatitis
8. Continued smoking after an attack of pancreatitis is a risk factor for recurrence
9. Octreotide, by decreasing pancreatic secretion, is a useful adjunct in the management of pancreatic ascites.