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Digestive system Pancreatitis, chronic - CT scan

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Chronic pancreatitis

Symptoms: Abdominal pain Greatest in the upper abdomen May last from hours to days Eventually may be continuous May be worsened by eating or drinking May be worsened by alcohol consumption May radiate to the back Nausea and vomiting Unintentional weight loss Fatty stools Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain associated with pancreatitis. Pale or clay-colored stools may also be associated with this condition. Signs and tests: Serum lipase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses. Serum amylase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses. Serum trypsinogen may be low. Fecal fat test shows fatty stools. Text Continues Below Inflammation or calcium deposits of the pancreas may be evident on: Abdominal CT scan Abdominal ultrasound ERCP An exploratory laparotomy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

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