Pancreatic insufficiency seen in chronic pancreatitis results from:
A) chronic inflammation leading to injury and scarring of the pancreas.
B) autoimmune destruction of the pancreas.
C) decreased bile secretion because of chronic obstruction to the common bile duct.
D) oversecretion of insulin by the chronically inflamed pancreas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation and injury to the pancreas. This chronic inflammation can lead to scarring and fibrosis of the pancreatic tissue, causing the pancreas to lose its ability to produce digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. This results in pancreatic insufficiency, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and other complications. Autoimmune destruction of the pancreas (B) is seen in type 1 diabetes, not chronic pancreatitis. Decreased bile secretion because of chronic obstruction to the common bile duct (C) can contribute to the development of pancreatitis, but it is not a direct cause of pancreatic insufficiency. Oversecretion of insulin by the chronically inflamed pancreas (D) is not seen in chronic pancreatitis since the damage to the pancreas typically results in decreased insulin production rather than overproduction.

Pancreatic Insufficiency Seen in Chronic Pancreatitis Results From