Hemorrhagic pancreatitis: causes, symptoms, treatment

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is a severe form of pancreatic disease. Disorder can 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 characterized by a strong pain syndrome and intoxication of the body. During the first day, a lethal outcome is possible. According to statistics, 60% of patients with this disease develop mental disorders, one-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 system of the organ. Among the main causes of the disease, gastroenterologists call inflammatory processes accompanied by a change in the secretion outflow. DIC-syndrome, alcohol intoxication and autoimmune disorders can also trigger 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 parenchyma of the gland begins the process of self-digestion, and the walls of the blood vessels are destroyed. The tissues of the organ are gradually impregnated with blood, aggressive elements rush into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis.

The first signs of illness

The symptomatology of the disease grows within a few hours. Its main sign is a pronounced pain syndrome. Hemorrhagic pancreatitis is always accompanied by discomfort in the abdomen. Pain can be characterized by shingles or irradiation in the lower back. It is present constantly, but decreases in the position with bent legs. The intensity of pain sensation depends on the degree of organ damage.

What other signs are accompanied by hemorrhagic pancreatitis? Symptoms of the disease, as a rule, manifest suddenly. At first the person feels a strong pain in the epigastric region. As the concentration in the blood of so-called vasoactive substances increases, skin flare develops. Also for this disease characterized by such phenomena as dryness of the tongue, tachycardia, lowering blood pressure. Against the background of normal body temperature, heart rate rises to 180 beats per minute.

In the course of the disease, gastroenterologists distinguish three periods, each of which is distinguished by a clinical picture. The first stage is characterized by severe pancreatogenic shock. Within 2-3 hours, toxemia develops. At the second stage, the clinical picture is supplemented by symptoms of disruption of the vital organs. There are disorders of the psyche, excessive anxiety and inadequate behavior. The third stage is characterized by the appearance of purulent complications.

Diagnosis of the disease

When suspected of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, patients are shown an emergency ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs. This study allows you to determine the size of the gland, its structure and the presence of necrotic areas. No less informative is the diagnostic laparoscopy, which helps to identify signs of peritonitis and foci of hemorrhages. If the patient comes in a critical condition, a laparotomy is prescribed. During the procedure, doctors perform a revision of the abdominal cavity and assess the condition of the pancreas, if necessary, perform therapeutic manipulations.

Basic principles of treatment

If you suspect a hemorrhagic pancreatitis, the reasons for which are described in this article, the patient is shown emergency hospitalization. Treatment is usually aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome and further damaging the gland, preventing purulent complications. Of drugs prescribe antispasmodics ("Papaverin"), analgesics, antihistamines. Also, the Novocaine blockade is mandatory. Infectious complications often accompany hemorrhagic pancreatitis, therefore from the first day antibacterial therapy is prescribed.

Regardless of the condition of the patient, a hunger diet is recommended. If the conservative methods of treatment are ineffective, surgical intervention is prescribed. The operation involves opening the capsule of the gland, draining it and removing the necrotic areas. In the vast pathological process, a complete resection of the organ or its part is performed.

Prognosis and prevention

The hemorrhagic form of pancreatitis is considered the most unfavorable from the prognostic point of view. According to statistics, the lethal outcome occurs in 50% of cases, even when providing medical assistance. The main cause of death is pancreatogenic toxemia.

Is it possible to prevent this disease? Prevention of hemorrhagic pancreatitis consists in the observance of the principles of proper nutrition, the rejection of harmful habits (smoking, alcohol abuse). Also, doctors recommend timely preventive examinations to identify diseases of internal organs.