True/False MCQ · Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
Regarding chronic pancreatitis, the following statements are TRUE:
- AThe classic triad is abdominal pain, exocrine deficiency and endocrine deficiency
- BConstipation is the characteristic bowel symptom of chronic pancreatitis
- CSteatorrhoea results from exocrine insufficiency
- DSerum amylase is always markedly elevated in chronic pancreatitis
- EDiabetes can develop due to endocrine pancreatic failure
Show answers and explanation
- A. True
- B. False: Chronic pancreatitis causes steatorrhoea, not constipation.
- C. True
- D. False: In chronic pancreatitis serum amylase is usually normal or only mildly elevated; a marked elevation is typical of acute pancreatitis (or acute-on-chronic).
- E. True
Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis causes progressive exocrine and endocrine failure.
Key facts
- Triad: abdominal pain, exocrine deficiency (weight loss, steatorrhoea), endocrine deficiency (diabetes).
- Steatorrhoea from exocrine insufficiency.
- Diabetes from endocrine failure.
- Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is a long-term complication.
The error
- Serum amylase is usually normal or only mildly elevated in chronic pancreatitis (unlike acute pancreatitis).
Statement-by-statement verdict
Why A is true
The triad is pain, exocrine and endocrine deficiency.
Why B is false
Chronic pancreatitis characteristically causes STEATORRHOEA/diarrhoea, not constipation.
Why C is true
Steatorrhoea results from exocrine insufficiency.
Why D is false
Amylase is usually normal/mildly raised in chronic pancreatitis, not always markedly elevated.
Why E is true
Diabetes develops from endocrine failure.
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