Acute pancreatitis

Definition

Inflammation of the pancreas occuring over hours.

Epidemiology

It is important as it has a mortality of 12% and is common in people who drink a lot.

Pathophysiology

The big two are gallstones (38%)and alcohol (35%). However, the following is a mnemonic to remember the causes:

• Gallstones
• Ethanol
• Trauma
• Steroids
• Mumps
• Autoimmune
• Scorpion sting
• Hyplidaemia/hypercalcaemia/hypothermia
• ERCP
• Drugs

This is the sort of thing they like to ask so learn it.