The consequence of chronic pancreatitis can be atrophy of the pancreas, expressed in pathological changes in glandular cells and proliferation of connective tissues. In this case we are talking about atrophic pancreatitis, in which atrophy of all pancreatic tissues in humans or only a part of them can be detected.
Most often these processes affect the tail and head of the organ, leaving the gland's body unchanged. In this case, affected tissues and pancreatic cells cease to perform their functions( their atrophy occurs), the gland itself becomes dense and increases in size.
Atrophy of the pancreas in a person is accompanied by its swelling, a violation of blood circulation, the appearance of hemorrhages on its surface, as well as fatty necrosis and cysts. The process of atrophy begins with the proliferation of connective tissue and can initially infect vessels and have an intra-lobular character, then becoming interlobular. Or, on the contrary, it can be interlobular in nature, extending further into the tissues, which entails an almost complete atrophy of the pancreatic parenchyma cells. In this case, the islets of Langerhans, producing insulin, are preserved and can be hypertrophied, which inevitably entails hyperinsulinemia.
Pancreatic atrophy may be partial, which usually occurs when the process develops as a result of peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum.
In the terminal stage of chronic atrophic pancreatitis, the pancreas decreases in size, its tissues become cartilaginous, and cirrhosis also develops.
In the case when chronic atrophic pancreatitis in humans has been caused by alcoholic pancreatitis, deposits of stones in the pancreas can be observed in the form of calcium salts, which block the ducts and completely block its activity.
The prognosis of atrophic pancreatitis is unfavorable. Treatment of this ailment should be comprehensive, and be directed, first of all, to eliminate the cause that caused it. A mandatory therapy is provided for the elimination of inflammatory processes and the removal of pain syndrome.
Much importance in the treatment of pancreatic atrophy has proper nutrition, as well as a healthy lifestyle, eliminating the consumption of alcoholic beverages in any quantities, smoking and overeating.
Treatment of atrophic changes of the pancreas is performed by a doctor by a gastroenterologist. The prescribed treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the concomitant disorders, symptoms, age of the patient, etc. Treatment of an atrophied organ is aimed at eliminating adverse factors and general therapy of the disease. The main goals of the therapy are:
- Reduction of pain symptoms. To achieve the desired result, analgesics and spasmalgics( no-spa, papaverine, etc.) are used.
- Detoxification from the body
- Achieving acid-base and hydroionic equilibrium
If during the treatment of the atrophic pancreas the necessary diet is not observed,it is extremely difficult to achieve the necessary results. Violations of the exocrine function lead to a lack of enzymes, as a result of which the digestive process is disrupted. Assigning drugs, which include these enzymes( pancreatin, festal, etc.) is prescribed.
If therapy does not help and the disease worsens, then surgery is indicated.
Atrophy of the tail of the pancreas often leads to the death of cells producing insulin, resulting in the development of secondary diabetes mellitus. In this case, the endocrinologist is connected to further treatment.