Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is a severe form of pancreatic damage. The disorder may be preceded by overeating, coupled with the adoption of alcoholic beverages. The attack develops against the background of an earlier inflammatory process. As a result, tissue necrosis, multiple bleeding, and peritonitis occur. Regardless of the cause, the pathology always extends to the secretory areas of the gland, which are responsible for the production of enzymes, and blood vessels. She is inherent in severe pain and intoxication. During the first day, a fatal outcome is possible. According to statistics, in 60% of patients with this disease mental disorders appear, in a third - delirium and coma.
The main causes of the disease
Hemorrhagic pancreatitis occurs under the influence of factors responsible for the activation of the enzyme systems of the body. Among the main causes of the disease, gastroenterologists call inflammatory processes, accompanied by a change in the outflow of secretion. DIC, alcohol intoxication and autoimmune disorders can also provoke pathology.
With hemorrhagic pancreatitis, partial or complete damage to the gland is observed. This occurs against the background of reaching a critical concentration of enzymes - trypsin and elastase. As a result, the gland parenchyma begins the process of self-digestion, and the walls of the blood vessels are destroyed. Organ tissues are gradually saturated with blood, aggressive elements rush into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis.
First signs of the disease
The symptomatology of the disease increases over several hours. Its main symptom is a pronounced pain syndrome. Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is always accompanied by abdominal discomfort. The pain may differ in herpes zoster or radiating to the lower back. She is present constantly, but decreases in a position with bent legs. The intensity of pain depends on the degree of damage to the organ.
What other signs are accompanied by hemorrhagic pancreatitis? Symptoms of the disease, as a rule, appear suddenly. First, a person feels severe pain in the epigastric region. As the concentration of so-called vasoactive substances in the blood increases, hyperemia of the skin develops. Also, for this disease, phenomena such as dry tongue, tachycardia, and a decrease in blood pressure are characteristic. Against the background of normal body temperature, heart rate rises to 180 beats per minute.
During the course of the disease, gastroenterologists distinguish three periods, each of which differs in the clinical picture. The first stage is characterized by severe pancreatogenic shock. In 2-3 hours, toxemia develops. At the second stage, the clinical picture is supplemented by symptoms of malfunctioning of vital organs. Mental disorders, excessive anxiety and inappropriate behavior appear. The third stage is characterized by the occurrence of purulent complications.
Diagnosis of the disease
If acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis is suspected, patients are shown an emergency ultrasound of the abdominal organs. Such a study allows you to determine the size of the gland, its structure and the presence of necrotic areas. No less informative is characterized by diagnostic laparoscopy, which helps to identify signs of peritonitis and foci of hemorrhage. If the patient arrives in critical condition, a laparotomy is prescribed. During the procedure, doctors conduct an audit of the abdominal cavity and assess the condition of the pancreas, and if necessary, carry out therapeutic manipulations.
The basic principles of treatment
If hemorrhagic pancreatitis is suspected, the reasons for which are described in this article, the patient is shown emergency hospitalization. Treatment is usually aimed at eliminating pain and further damage to the gland, preventing purulent complications. Of the drugs prescribed antispasmodics ("Papaverine"), analgesics, antihistamines. Novocain blockade is also mandatory. Infectious complications often accompany hemorrhagic pancreatitis, so antibacterial therapy is prescribed from the first day.
Regardless of the patient's condition, a starvation diet is recommended. With the ineffectiveness of conservative methods of treatment, surgical intervention is prescribed. The operation involves opening the capsule of the gland, draining it and removing the necrotic areas. With an extensive pathological process, a complete resection of the organ or its part is carried out.
Forecast and Prevention
The hemorrhagic form of pancreatitis is considered the most unfavorable from a prognostic point of view. According to statistics, a fatal outcome occurs in 50% of cases, even when providing medical care. The main cause of death is pancreatogenic toxemia.
Can this disease be prevented? Prevention of hemorrhagic pancreatitis consists in observing the principles of proper nutrition, refusing addictions (smoking, alcohol abuse). Doctors also recommend timely preventive examinations in order to detect diseases of the internal organs.