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Updated: Sep 18, 2026

Establishment of a Mouse Severe Acute Pancreatitis Model using Retrograde Injection of Sodium Taurocholate into the Biliopancreatic Duct
Published on: April 1, 2022
[Deaths due to acute pancreatitis]
1General Hospital of People's Liberation Army.
Abstract:
In 908 patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), 77 belonged to necrotic AP, 34 patients died (14 sudden deaths). Diagnosis was verified by autopsy in 24 cases, by surgical exploration in 8, and by other means in 2. It was found that owing to the lack of information from autopsy, more AP deaths were neglected. In some AP cases, hemorrhage and necrosis in the pancreas happened in several hours. The severity of the pathologic changes in the pancreas (hemorrhage, necrosis) was not proportional to the mortality rate of AP especially in those sudden deaths, a fact implicating a systemic lethal factor released at the early stage of AP. we used systemic support of AP patients at the early stage and explored the patients only when complications ensued. Neither Ranson nor Imire risk factors was helpful in predicting sudden deaths of AP cases.
Insights
Sudden deaths in acute pancreatitis (AP) may stem from a systemic lethal factor, not just pancreatic necrosis. Early systemic support is crucial, as traditional risk factors failed to predict these rapid fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Context:
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious condition with significant mortality.
- Necrotic AP accounts for a subset of cases, with sudden deaths posing a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose:
- To investigate the causes of sudden death in acute pancreatitis (AP) and evaluate the effectiveness of early systemic support.
- To assess the utility of established risk factors in predicting sudden AP mortality.
Summary:
- In a study of 908 acute pancreatitis patients, 77 had necrotic AP, and 34 died, including 14 sudden deaths.
- Autopsy data was limited, potentially underestimating AP-related mortality. Rapid pancreatic hemorrhage and necrosis can occur.
- The severity of pancreatic pathology did not correlate with mortality, suggesting a systemic factor in sudden AP deaths. Early systemic support was prioritized over early exploration.
Impact:
- This study highlights the limitations of current risk stratification tools for predicting sudden death in AP.
- Findings suggest a need for further research into early systemic lethal factors in AP.
- Emphasizes the importance of early systemic support in managing AP patients, especially those at risk of sudden mortality.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

