[Excessive hyperplasia of the exocrine pancreatic tissue and Wernicke's encephalopathy (author's transl)]
Abstract:
A 52 year old woman with a history of mild pancreatitis had a palpable mass in the upper abdomen. She died in an unexplained coma. The autopsy revealed an excessive hyperplasia of the exocrine pancreatic tissue resulting in the largest pancreas ever reported (254 gramm). This hyperplasia was accompanied by a chronic pancreatitis. In the central nervous system a Wernick's encephalopathy had developed; severe loss of neurons was stated in the thalamus; extensive degeneration was found in the upper vermis of the cerebellum. The discussion of this case includes the relationship between the diseases of the pancreas and neuropsychiatric and neuropathologic findings. It is assumed that the hyperplasia of the exocrine pancreatic tissue could only be an additional factor in the occurence of post alcoholic complications. This hyperplasia of the exocrine pancreatic tissue is considered to be a hamartom-like formation and it should therefore be distinguished from other pancreatic hyperplasia.
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:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology


