With the purpose of timely detection of pancreatitis and the appointment of appropriate therapy, various methods of examination of the pancreas are used in medical practice. Each of them has its own characteristics, and for different types of disease it is advisable to use certain types of examination. In some cases, it may not be necessary to use one, but two or more methods.
Pancreosimine secretin test
In patients with inflammation of the gland, there is a significant decrease in secretion, in addition, a reduced concentration of bicarbonates and an increased concentration of enzymes are present. If bicarbonate alkalinity is detected as a result of the test, the patient should be examined in the oncologic dispensary, since such indicators appear both in the head tumor and in severe forms of chronic inflammation. The revealed enzyme deficiency is a confirmation of chronic inflammation of the pancreas.
Hydrochloric acid test
A simple and affordable test method, but the accuracy of the data obtained as a result of it is slightly lower than in the previous test. Since it is unacceptable to conduct two tests at the same time, it is better to start with pancreosimine-secretein, since in most cases the need for it will still arise, and this is an additional burden for the patient.
Lund test
A similar examination of the pancreas is aimed at determining the content of amylase, which is often overestimated in inflammation. The advantages of this test are simplicity, accessibility, absence of the need for intravenous administration of drugs. The disadvantage of the method is that many doctors consider the inevitable addition of bile and gastric juice, which affects the reliability of the results. The test is particularly sensitive in the early stages of pancreatitis.
Elastaznyj test
Allows to reveal an acute and chronic inflammation of a pancreas. A similar examination consists in determining the elastase in the stool of the patient, the test is quite sensitive and informative. Indications for this pancreatic examination are the diagnosis of acute and chronic inflammation, as well as evaluation of the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.
What kind of test to apply in each case is decided solely by the doctor.
Pancreas examination plan for pancreatitis
Pancreatitis examinations can be divided into 2 main categories: laboratory diagnostics and analyzes, and instrumental studies. Before appointing the necessary examinations, the doctor at the examination carefully examines the patient, assesses the condition of the mucous membranes and skin, and also tracks painful sensations by palpation of the left sub-ribbed part of the abdomen. Then all the necessary examinations are appointed.
Test plan for pancreatitis:
- total blood test;
- determination of pancreatic enzymes such as alpha amylase, lipase, trypsin. Their number will tell you at what stage the disease is;The
- indirect excitation test for excretory function is based on the use of 300 milliliters of liquid food and subsequent monitoring of the effects of enzymes;
- direct functional test with it is carried out intubation of the duodenum;
- feces analysis for the presence of lipids;
- test for determining the endocrine function, it is based on the intake of glucose.
Plan of instrumental examinations:
- abdominal radiography;
- Ultrasound of the pancreas;
- computed tomography;
- selective angiography.
Also, in addition to mandatory tests, it is required to visit consultations with narrow specialists - surgeon and endocrinologist.