ACUTE PANCREATITIS IN PREGNANCY

Acute pancreatitis is thought to be a condition due to the effect of activated ferments on the tissue of the pancreas. There are two different types af acute pancreatitis, one accompanied with necrosis and hemorrhage and the other designated as acute interstitial (nonhemorrhagic) pancreatitis. The pathologic changes are quite different. In acute interstitial pancreatitis the pancreas appears enlarged, firm, edematous and whiter than normal. Microscopically there is edema of interstitial tissue of the pancreas and peripancreatic tissues. There may be some infiltration by neutrophilic leukocytes, and occasionally small areas of fat necrosis are present. In acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis the pancreas is enlarged and firm, with softer friable areas of necrosis. Various degrees of hemorrhagic and gangrenous changes may involve portions of the pancreas or the whole organ. Areas of fat necrosis affect the fat of the pancreas, mesentery and omentum. The necrotic areas of fatty tissue are surrounded by a