Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Acute pancreatitis etiology. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 1: A 43-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of severe epigastric pain and vomiting for 6 hours. The pain radiates to his back and he describes it as 9 out of 10 in intensity. He has had 3–4 episodes of vomiting during this period. He admits to consuming over 13 alcoholic beverages the previous night. There is no personal or family history of serious illness and he takes no medications. He is 177 cm (5 ft 10 in) tall and weighs 55 kg (121 lb); BMI is 17.6 kg/m2. He appears uncomfortable. His temperature is 37.5°C (99.5°F), pulse is 97/min, and blood pressure is 128/78 mm Hg. Abdominal examination shows severe epigastric tenderness to palpation. Bowel sounds are hypoactive. The remainder of the physical examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show:
Hemoglobin 13.5 g/dL
Hematocrit 62%
Leukocyte count 13,800/mm3
Serum
Na+ 134 mEq/L
K+ 3.6 mEq/L
Cl- 98 mEq/L
Calcium 8.3 mg/dL
Glucose 180 mg/dL
Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
Amylase 150 U/L
Lipase 347 U/L (N = 14–280)
Total bilirubin 0.8 mg/dL
Alkaline phosphatase 66 U/L
AST 19 U/L
ALT 18 U/L
LDH 360 U/L
Which of the following laboratory studies is the best prognostic indicator for this patient's condition?
- A. AST/ALT ratio
- B. Alkaline phosphatase
- C. Total bilirubin
- D. Lipase
- E. Hematocrit (Correct Answer)
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Hematocrit***
- A rising **hematocrit** (due to **hemoconcentration**) or one that fails to fall after initial fluid resuscitation is an important indicator of volume depletion and a **poor prognostic sign** in **acute pancreatitis**.
- This patient's hematocrit is elevated at **62%**, suggesting significant hemoconcentration and a higher risk for complications like **pancreatic necrosis**.
*AST/ALT ratio*
- While an elevated AST/ALT ratio can suggest **alcoholic liver disease**, it is not a direct **prognostic indicator** for the severity or outcome of **acute pancreatitis**.
- In pancreatitis, liver enzymes are typically elevated secondarily to inflammation or biliary obstruction, but their ratio does not directly predict the course of the pancreatitis itself.
*Alkaline phosphatase*
- **Alkaline phosphatase** is an indicator of **biliary obstruction** or **cholestasis**, which can be a cause of pancreatitis (e.g., gallstone pancreatitis).
- Its value does not directly predict the **severity** or **prognosis** of acute pancreatitis once it has developed, especially in a case of alcoholic pancreatitis.
*Total bilirubin*
- **Total bilirubin** levels primarily reflect **biliary obstruction** or **liver dysfunction**.
- While gallstone pancreatitis can increase bilirubin, it is not a primary prognostic marker for the development of severe complications in **acute pancreatitis**, nor is it significantly elevated in this patient.
*Lipase*
- **Elevated lipase** is highly specific and sensitive for the **diagnosis of acute pancreatitis**, confirming the diagnosis in this case.
- However, the absolute level of lipase does **not correlate** with the **severity** or **prognosis** of acute pancreatitis; even mild pancreatitis can have very high lipase levels.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 2: A 52-year-old woman presents to the urgent care center with several hours of worsening abdominal discomfort with radiation to the back. The patient also complains of malaise, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Social history is notable for alcoholism. On physical exam, she is febrile to 39.5°C (103.1°F), and she is diffusely tender to abdominal palpation. Complete blood count is notable for 13,500 white blood cells, bilirubin 2.1, lipase 842, and amylase 3,210. Given the following options, what is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Choledocholithiasis
- B. Ascending cholangitis
- C. Gallstone pancreatitis (Correct Answer)
- D. Cholelithiasis
- E. Acute cholecystitis
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Gallstone pancreatitis***
- The patient presents with classic symptoms of **acute pancreatitis**: severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, and markedly elevated **lipase (842)** and **amylase (3,210)**.
- The **key differentiating feature** is the elevated **bilirubin (2.1 mg/dL)**, which indicates biliary obstruction from a gallstone passing through or obstructing the ampulla of Vater.
- **Gallstone pancreatitis** is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis in women, and the combination of pancreatitis with hyperbilirubinemia strongly suggests a biliary etiology rather than alcoholic pancreatitis (which typically does not cause elevated bilirubin).
- While the patient has a history of alcoholism, the elevated bilirubin makes **gallstone pancreatitis** the most likely diagnosis.
*Choledocholithiasis*
- This refers to a stone in the **common bile duct**, which can cause biliary obstruction and elevated bilirubin.
- However, choledocholithiasis alone does not explain the **markedly elevated lipase and amylase**, which indicate pancreatic inflammation.
- Choledocholithiasis may be present as part of the pathophysiology, but the clinical picture is acute pancreatitis caused by the stone (gallstone pancreatitis).
*Ascending cholangitis*
- This serious bile duct infection presents with **Charcot's triad** (fever, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain) or **Reynolds' pentad** (adds altered mental status and hypotension).
- While the patient is febrile, she lacks **jaundice**, hypotension, or altered mental status.
- The **extremely elevated lipase and amylase** point to pancreatitis rather than cholangitis as the primary process.
*Cholelithiasis*
- This simply means **gallstones in the gallbladder**, which are often asymptomatic.
- The patient's acute presentation with fever, systemic symptoms, and markedly elevated pancreatic enzymes indicates a complication of gallstones (pancreatitis), not just their presence.
*Acute cholecystitis*
- This is **gallbladder inflammation**, typically presenting with right upper quadrant pain, fever, positive Murphy's sign, and leukocytosis.
- The **diffuse abdominal tenderness** (not localized to RUQ), pain radiating to the back, and **extremely elevated lipase and amylase** are characteristic of pancreatitis, not cholecystitis.
- Acute cholecystitis does not cause such dramatic elevations in pancreatic enzymes.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 3: A 52-year-old woman presents to the urgent care center with several hours of worsening abdominal discomfort that radiates to the back. The patient also complains of malaise, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Social history is notable for alcoholism. On physical exam, she is febrile to 39.5°C (103.1℉), and she is diffusely tender on abdominal palpation. Other vital signs include a blood pressure of 126/74 mm Hg, heart rate of 74/min, and respiratory rate of 14/min. Complete blood count is notable for 13,500 white blood cells (WBCs), and her complete metabolic panel shows bilirubin of 2.1 and amylase of 3210. Given the following options, what is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Choledocholithiasis
- B. Cholelithiasis
- C. Acute cholecystitis
- D. Ascending cholangitis
- E. Gallstone pancreatitis (Correct Answer)
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Gallstone pancreatitis***
- The elevated **amylase** (3210) strongly indicates **acute pancreatitis**, while the **elevated bilirubin** (2.1) suggests **biliary obstruction**, pointing toward a **gallstone etiology** blocking the common bile duct.
- The radiating abdominal pain to the back, nausea, and vomiting along with systemic inflammatory response (fever, leukocytosis) are classic symptoms of **acute pancreatitis**.
- While the patient has a history of alcoholism, the elevated bilirubin is the key finding that suggests **gallstone-induced** rather than alcoholic pancreatitis.
*Choledocholithiasis*
- While an elevated bilirubin suggests **biliary obstruction**, the significantly high **amylase** points primarily to **pancreatic inflammation** rather than just a stone in the common bile duct.
- **Choledocholithiasis** typically causes **biliary colic**, jaundice, and potentially cholangitis, but not the markedly elevated amylase seen here unless it leads to pancreatitis.
*Cholelithiasis*
- **Cholelithiasis** (gallstones) often presents as **biliary colic**, characterized by episodic right upper quadrant pain, but usually without the systemic symptoms or markedly elevated amylase.
- While it's a precursor to other biliary conditions, it doesn't explain the patient's severe generalized symptoms, fever, or the definitive **pancreatitis labs**.
*Acute cholecystitis*
- **Acute cholecystitis** involves inflammation of the **gallbladder**, typically causing **right upper quadrant pain**, fever, and leukocytosis, often with a positive Murphy's sign.
- Although there's fever and leukocytosis, the **diffuse abdominal tenderness** and significantly high **amylase** are more indicative of pancreatitis than isolated gallbladder inflammation.
*Ascending cholangitis*
- **Ascending cholangitis** presents with **Charcot's triad** (fever, right upper quadrant pain, jaundice) or **Reynolds' pentad** (adding hypotension and altered mental status), but the key differentiating factor here is the extremely high amylase.
- While **elevated bilirubin** suggests biliary involvement, the primary pathology indicated by the **amylase level** is pancreatic, not solely biliary infection.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 4: A 29-year-old woman presents with a 2-hour history of sudden onset of severe mid-epigastric pain. The pain radiates to the back, and is not relieved by over-the-counter antacids. The patient also complains of profuse vomiting. The patient’s medical history is negative for similar symptoms. She consumes 3–4 alcoholic drinks daily. The blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg and the heart rate is 105/min. Examination of the lungs reveals bibasilar crackles. Abdominal examination reveals diffuse tenderness involving the entire abdomen, marked guarding, rigidity, and reduced bowel sounds. The chest X-ray is normal. However, the abdominal CT scan reveals peritoneal fluid collection and diffuse pancreatic enlargement. The laboratory findings include:
Aspartate aminotransferase 63 IU/L
Alkaline phosphatase 204 IU/L
Alanine aminotransferase 32 IU/L
Serum amylase 500 IU/L (Normal: 25-125 IU/L)
Serum lipase 1,140 IU/L (Normal: 0-160 IU/L)
Serum calcium 2 mmol/L
Which of the following cellular changes are most likely, based on the clinical and laboratory findings?
- A. Liquefactive necrosis
- B. Dry gangrene
- C. Caseous necrosis
- D. Coagulative necrosis
- E. Fat necrosis (Correct Answer)
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Fat necrosis***
- The patient's presentation with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, elevated serum amylase and lipase, **alcohol abuse**, and diffuse pancreatic enlargement indicates **acute pancreatitis**.
- **Fat necrosis** is a characteristic pathologic finding in acute pancreatitis, resulting from the release of activated pancreatic enzymes (like lipase) into the surrounding adipose tissue, causing **FFA (free fatty acid)** formation that complexes with calcium (saponification).
*Liquefactive necrosis*
- This type of necrosis is characterized by the complete digestion of dead cells, resulting in a **viscous liquid mass**.
- It is typically seen in **bacterial infections** or **cerebral infarcts**, not primarily in pancreatitis.
*Dry gangrene*
- **Dry gangrene** involves ischemic necrosis, usually affecting the extremities, where the tissue becomes **dry, shrunken, and black**.
- It is caused by **lack of blood supply** and does not fit the clinical picture of acute pancreatitis.
*Caseous necrosis*
- **Caseous necrosis** is a distinct form of coagulative necrosis, characterized by a **cheese-like appearance** of the necrotic tissue.
- It is most commonly associated with **tuberculosis** and certain fungal infections, not acute pancreatitis.
*Coagulative necrosis*
- **Coagulative necrosis** is characterized by the preservation of the cell shape and tissue architecture for several days after cell death, often due to **ischemia** (e.g., myocardial infarction).
- While pancreatic cells can undergo coagulative necrosis in severe ischemia, **fat necrosis** is specifically and prominently associated with the enzymatic destruction in acute pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 5: A 61-year-old woman presents to the urgent care unit with a 2-week history of abdominal pain after meals. The patient reports vomiting over the past few days. The past medical history is significant for osteoarthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. She regularly drinks alcohol. She does not smoke cigarettes. The patient currently presents with vital signs within normal limits. On physical examination, the patient appears to be in moderate distress, but she is alert and oriented. The palpation of the abdomen elicits tenderness in the epigastric region. The CT of the abdomen shows no signs of an acute process. The laboratory results are listed below. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Na+ 139 mEq/L
K+ 4.4 mEq/L
Cl- 109 mmol/L
HCO3- 20 mmol/L
BUN 14 mg/dL
Cr 1.0 mg/dL
Glucose 101 mg/dL
Total cholesterol 187 mg/dL
LDL 110 mg/dL
HDL 52 mg/dL
TG 120 mg/dL
AST 65 IU/L
ALT 47 IU/L
GGT 27 IU/L
Amylase 512 U/L
Lipase 1,262 U/L
- A. Acute liver failure
- B. Acute pancreatitis (Correct Answer)
- C. Acute mesenteric ischemia
- D. Acute cholecystitis
- E. Gastric ulcer
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: **Acute pancreatitis**
- The patient presents with classic symptoms of **acute pancreatitis**, including **epigastric abdominal pain** that worsens after meals, and **vomiting**.
- Significantly elevated **amylase** (512 U/L) and **lipase** (1,262 U/L) levels (both more than three times the upper limit of normal) confirm the diagnosis. The patient's history of **alcohol consumption** is a major risk factor.
*Acute liver failure*
- Acute liver failure would typically present with significantly elevated **ALT and AST values**, often in the thousands, along with signs of **hepatic encephalopathy** or coagulopathy, none of which are present here.
- While the AST and ALT are mildly elevated, they are not indicative of acute liver failure, and the patient's other liver function tests (GGT, cholesterol panel) are relatively normal.
*Acute mesenteric ischemia*
- **Acute mesenteric ischemia** presents with severe, **disproportionate pain** to physical findings, often described as "pain out of proportion to examination." It is less commonly associated with elevated lipase and amylase.
- While patient has a history of systemic lupus erythematosus that could potentially increase the risk of thrombotic events, the absence of severe abdominal pain and the very high lipase levels make this less likely.
*Acute cholecystitis*
- **Acute cholecystitis** typically presents with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis, often precipitated by fatty meals. **Murphy's sign** is usually positive.
- While abdominal pain after meals and vomiting could occur, the pain is specifically epigastric, and there are no signs of inflammation (fever, WBC count not provided but general physical examination findings are not pointing to cholecystitis) and the remarkably elevated lipase and amylase are not features of cholecystitis.
*Gastric ulcer*
- A **gastric ulcer** typically causes **epigastric pain** that may be relieved by food (duodenal ulcer) or worsened by food (gastric ulcer), and can cause vomiting.
- However, the extremely high **amylase and lipase levels** are not characteristic of a gastric ulcer and point towards a pancreatic etiology.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 6: A 21-year-old college student comes to the emergency department because of a two-day history of vomiting and epigastric pain that radiates to the back. He has a history of atopic dermatitis and Hashimoto thyroiditis. His only medication is levothyroxine. He has not received any routine vaccinations. He drinks 1–2 beers on the weekends and occasionally smokes marijuana. The patient appears distressed and is diaphoretic. His temperature is 37.9°C (100.3°F), pulse is 105/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 130/78 mm Hg. Physical examination shows abdominal distention with tenderness to palpation in the epigastrium. There is no guarding or rebound tenderness. Skin examination shows several clusters of yellow plaques over the trunk and extensor surfaces of the extremities. Hemoglobin concentration is 15.2 g/dL and serum calcium concentration is 7.9 mg/dL. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?
- A. Measure serum mumps IgM titer
- B. Measure serum lipid levels (Correct Answer)
- C. Obtain an upright x-ray of the abdomen
- D. Perform a pilocarpine-induced sweat test
- E. Measure stool elastase level
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Measure serum lipid levels***
- This patient presents with **epigastric pain radiating to the back**, vomiting, and potential signs of systemic inflammation (fever, tachycardia), suggestive of **pancreatitis**. One of the most common causes of pancreatitis, especially in the absence of gallstones or significant alcohol abuse, is **severe hypertriglyceridemia**.
- The presence of **yellow plaques over the trunk and extensor surfaces** (likely **eruptive xanthomas**) is a strong indicator of **severe hypertriglyceridemia**, making serum lipid measurement the most appropriate next step to confirm this etiology for his pancreatitis.
*Measure serum mumps IgM titer*
- While mumps can cause pancreatitis, this patient has not received routine vaccinations, but there is no specific exposure history or other symptoms (like **parotitis**) to strongly suggest mumps as the primary cause.
- The more compelling physical finding of eruptive xanthomas points more directly to **hypertriglyceridemia** as the cause of pancreatitis.
*Obtain an upright x-ray of the abdomen*
- An upright abdominal x-ray is primarily used to look for **free air under the diaphragm** as an indicator of a perforated viscus, which would present with peritonitis and guarding. This patient has **no guarding or rebound tenderness**.
- While it can show signs of ileus, it is not the most targeted test for diagnosing the *cause* of pancreatitis or conditions indicated by eruptive xanthomas.
*Perform a pilocarpine-induced sweat test*
- A **pilocarpine-induced sweat test** is used to diagnose **cystic fibrosis (CF)**, which can cause pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatitis, especially in younger individuals.
- While CF could be considered in a young patient with pancreatic symptoms, his presentation with clear signs of **hyperlipidemia (eruptive xanthomas)** makes this a less direct or immediate next step.
*Measure stool elastase level*
- **Stool elastase** is a test for **exocrine pancreatic insufficiency**, indicating chronic damage to the pancreas.
- This patient is presenting with acute pancreatitis, not chronic insufficiency, and the prominent physical findings point to an **acute metabolic cause** rather than chronic pancreatic dysfunction as the primary differential at this stage.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 7: A 46-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of severe epigastric pain and vomiting for the past 4 hours. The pain is constant, radiates to his back, and is worse on lying down. He has had 3–4 episodes of greenish-colored vomit. He was treated for H. pylori infection around 2 months ago with triple-regimen therapy. He has atrial fibrillation and hypertension. He owns a distillery on the outskirts of a town. The patient drinks 4–5 alcoholic beverages daily. Current medications include dabigatran and metoprolol. He appears uncomfortable. His temperature is 37.8°C (100°F), pulse is 102/min, and blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg. Examination shows severe epigastric tenderness to palpation with guarding but no rebound. Bowel sounds are hypoactive. Rectal examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory studies show:
Hematocrit 53%
Leukocyte count 11,300/mm3
Serum
Na+ 133 mEq/L
Cl- 98 mEq/L
K+ 3.1 mEq/L
Calcium 7.8 mg/dL
Urea nitrogen 43 mg/dL
Glucose 271 mg/dL
Creatinine 2.0 mg/dL
Total bilirubin 0.7 mg/dL
Alkaline phosphatase 61 U/L
AST 19 U/L
ALT 17 U/L
γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) 88 u/L (N=5–50 U/L)
Lipase 900 U/L (N=14–280 U/L)
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Crystalloid fluid infusion (Correct Answer)
- B. Fomepizole therapy
- C. Calcium gluconate therapy
- D. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography
- E. Laparotomy
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Crystalloid fluid infusion***
- The patient presents with **acute pancreatitis**, indicated by severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting, epigastric tenderness, and markedly elevated **lipase** (900 U/L).
- He shows clear signs of **hypovolemia**: elevated hematocrit (53%), elevated BUN/Cr ratio (43/2.0 = 21.5), and tachycardia.
- Pancreatitis causes significant **fluid shifts** and third-spacing, requiring aggressive **intravenous fluid resuscitation** with crystalloids (preferably lactated Ringer's) to prevent hypovolemic shock, acute kidney injury, and organ dysfunction.
- Early aggressive fluid resuscitation (250–500 mL/h initially) is the **cornerstone of acute pancreatitis management** and improves outcomes.
*Fomepizole therapy*
- **Fomepizole** is an antidote for **methanol** or **ethylene glycol** poisoning, which cause a high anion gap metabolic acidosis and visual disturbances.
- While the patient owns a distillery, his symptoms and lab findings (elevated lipase, hypocalcemia, mild leukocytosis) are consistent with **alcoholic pancreatitis**, not toxic alcohol ingestion.
- No anion gap is present, and there are no visual symptoms.
*Calcium gluconate therapy*
- Although the patient has **hypocalcemia** (7.8 mg/dL), which is common in severe pancreatitis due to fat saponification and calcium sequestration, routine calcium gluconate administration is generally **not recommended unless symptomatic**.
- Symptomatic hypocalcemia includes tetany, paresthesias, seizures, or prolonged QT interval, none of which are present.
- Aggressive fluid resuscitation and management of the underlying pancreatitis are higher priorities.
*Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography*
- **ERCP** is primarily indicated for **gallstone pancreatitis with cholangitis** or persistent biliary obstruction.
- This patient likely has **alcoholic pancreatitis** (heavy alcohol use, elevated GGT), and there's no evidence of biliary obstruction (normal bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP).
- Routine early ERCP in acute pancreatitis without cholangitis is not beneficial and carries procedural risks.
*Laparotomy*
- **Laparotomy** (surgical exploration) is rarely indicated in the initial management of acute pancreatitis.
- It might be considered for complications such as infected necrosis, pancreatic abscess, or abdominal compartment syndrome, but there is no indication for surgical intervention in this patient at this stage.
- Initial management focuses on medical stabilization with fluid resuscitation and supportive care.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 8: A 45-year-old man with a history of biliary colic presents with one-day of intractable nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain radiating to the back. Temperature is 99.7 deg F (37.6 deg C), blood pressure is 102/78 mmHg, pulse is 112/min, and respirations are 22/min. On abdominal exam, he has involuntary guarding and tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant and epigastric regions. Laboratory studies show white blood cell count 18,200/uL, alkaline phosphatase 650 U/L, total bilirubin 2.5 mg/dL, amylase 500 U/L, and lipase 1160 U/L. Which of the patient's laboratory findings is associated with increased mortality?
- A. White blood cell count (Correct Answer)
- B. Lipase
- C. Amylase
- D. Total bilirubin
- E. Alkaline phosphatase
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***White blood cell count***
- An **elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis)** above 16,000/uL is a component of the **Ranson criteria** and can indicate severe inflammation and systemic response, which is associated with increased mortality in acute pancreatitis.
- This finding, in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory signs, points towards a more severe inflammatory process and potential for complications leading to worse outcomes.
*Lipase*
- While significantly elevated **lipase** levels (more than three times the upper limit of normal) are diagnostic for acute pancreatitis, the absolute value itself is not directly correlated with the severity or prognosis of the disease.
- Extremely high lipase levels confirm the diagnosis but do not reliably predict increased mortality.
*Amylase*
- Similar to lipase, markedly elevated **amylase** levels are crucial for diagnosing acute pancreatitis but do not significantly correlate with disease severity or mortality.
- The degree of amylase elevation does not predict the likelihood of complications or death.
*Total bilirubin*
- An elevated **total bilirubin** suggests biliary obstruction, which is often the underlying cause of gallstone pancreatitis in this case.
- While it points to the etiology, isolated bilirubin elevation is not a direct prognostic marker for increased mortality in acute pancreatitis unless it leads to severe complications like cholangitis or liver failure.
*Alkaline phosphatase*
- An elevated **alkaline phosphatase** also indicates cholestasis or biliary obstruction.
- Similar to bilirubin, it helps identify the cause of pancreatitis but is not included in common prognostic scoring systems (like Ranson's or APACHE II) as a direct predictor of increased mortality in acute pancreatitis itself.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 9: A 72-year-old woman comes to the emergency department because of upper abdominal pain and nausea for the past hour. The patient rates the pain as an 8 to 9 on a 10-point scale. She has had an episode of nonbloody vomiting since the pain started. She has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoporosis. The patient has smoked 2 packs of cigarettes daily for 40 years. She drinks 5–6 alcoholic beverages daily. Current medications include glyburide, lisinopril, and oral vitamin D supplements. Her temperature is 38.5°C (101.3°F), pulse is 110/min, and blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg. Examination shows severe epigastric tenderness to palpation with guarding but no rebound. Ultrasonography of the abdomen shows diffuse enlargement of the pancreas; no gallstones are visualized. The patient is admitted to the hospital for pain control and intravenous hydration. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient’s pain?
- A. Oral gabapentin every 24 hours
- B. Transdermal fentanyl every 72 hours
- C. Oral acetaminophen every 6 hours
- D. Patient-controlled intravenous hydromorphone (Correct Answer)
- E. Transdermal bupivacaine on request
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Patient-controlled intravenous hydromorphone***
- This patient presents with **acute pancreatitis**, characterized by severe epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and findings indicative of pancreatic inflammation (enlarged pancreas on ultrasound, guarding without rebound). **Opioids**, such as hydromorphone, are the mainstay for **severe pain relief** in acute pancreatitis.
- **Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)** with intravenous opioids allows the patient to self-administer small, frequent doses, providing optimal pain control while minimizing the risk of over-sedation, making it suitable for managing **acute severe pain**.
*Oral gabapentin every 24 hours*
- **Gabapentin** is primarily used for **neuropathic pain** or as an adjunct for chronic pain, not typically for acute severe visceral pain like that seen in acute pancreatitis.
- Its **oral route** and every 24-hour dosing schedule are too slow and infrequent for rapid pain control in an emergency setting with severe pain.
*Transdermal fentanyl every 72 hours*
- **Transdermal fentanyl** is indicated for **chronic severe pain** that requires continuous opioid administration and is not suitable for the rapid onset and fluctuating intensity of acute pancreatitis pain.
- The **transdermal route** and long dosing interval mean it would not provide immediate or adequate pain relief for a patient experiencing pain rated 8-9/10.
*Oral acetaminophen every 6 hours*
- **Acetaminophen** is a non-opioid analgesic generally used for **mild to moderate pain** and fever control. It is insufficient for the severe pain experienced in acute pancreatitis.
- The **oral route** takes longer to achieve therapeutic levels and may be limited by the patient's nausea and vomiting.
*Transdermal bupivacaine on request*
- **Bupivacaine** is a **local anesthetic** typically used for regional anesthesia or nerve blocks, not for systemic management of acute visceral pain like pancreatitis.
- **Transdermal application** of bupivacaine is not a standard or effective method for managing widespread, severe abdominal pain and would not provide adequate relief.
Acute pancreatitis etiology US Medical PG Question 10: A 54-year-old man presents to the emergency department for fatigue and weight loss. He reports feeling increasingly tired over the last several weeks and has lost seven pounds over the last month. His wife has also noticed a yellowing of the eyes. He endorses mild nausea but denies vomiting, abdominal pain, or changes in his stools. Ten years ago, he was hospitalized for an episode of acute pancreatitis. His past medical history is otherwise significant for hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. He has two glasses of wine most nights with dinner and has a 30-pack-year smoking history. On physical exam, the patient has icteric sclera and his abdomen is soft, non-distended, and without tenderness to palpation. Bowel sounds are present. Laboratory studies reveal the following:
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 67 U/L
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 54 U/L
Alkaline phosphatase: 771 U/L
Total bilirubin: 12.1 mg/dL
Direct bilirubin: 9.4 mg/dL
Which of the following would most likely be seen on abdominal imaging?
- A. Multifocal dilation and stricturing of intra- and extrahepatic ducts
- B. Pancreatic pseudocyst
- C. Distended gallbladder (Correct Answer)
- D. Surface nodularity of the liver
- E. Choledocholithiasis
Acute pancreatitis etiology Explanation: ***Distended gallbladder***
- The patient presents with **obstructive jaundice** (elevated total and direct bilirubin, significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase) and a history of chronic pancreatitis risk factors (alcohol use, diabetes, obesity, prior acute pancreatitis). The absence of abdominal pain or tenderness suggests a **painless obstruction** of the common bile duct.
- Given the history of pancreatitis and the painless obstructive pattern, a **pancreatic head mass** (e.g., adenocarcinoma) compressing the common bile duct is highly suspected. This compression, if distal enough, leads to Courvoisier's sign: a **distended, palpable, and non-tender gallbladder**.
*Multifocal dilation and stricturing of intra- and extrahepatic ducts*
- This imaging finding is characteristic of **primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)**, a chronic cholestatic liver disease commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
- PSC typically presents with fatigue and pruritus, but the highly elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin, along with the patient's risk factors and jaundice, point away from PSC as the primary diagnosis.
*Pancreatic pseudocyst*
- A **pancreatic pseudocyst** is a common complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis and can cause symptoms like abdominal pain and mass effect.
- While the patient has a history of acute pancreatitis and risk factors for chronic pancreatitis, a pseudocyst is less likely to cause painless, isolated obstructive jaundice without significant abdominal pain or a palpable mass.
*Surface nodularity of the liver*
- **Surface nodularity of the liver** is a classic finding in **cirrhosis**, which can lead to jaundice if decompensated.
- However, the patient's laboratory values show an extremely high alkaline phosphatase and direct bilirubin, indicating a predominant **obstructive cholestatic pattern** rather than diffuse hepatocellular injury from cirrhosis.
*Choledocholithiasis*
- **Choledocholithiasis** (gallstones in the common bile duct) typically presents with **biliary colic**, severe epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, and often fever if cholangitis develops.
- The patient denies abdominal pain and fever, making choledocholithiasis less likely, especially with the painless jaundice and underlying risk factors for pancreatic malignancy.
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