Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A comprehensive review of the presentation, management, and complications

Abstract

Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) is a life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis. It requires an extended hospital stay, aggressive management, and has a higher risk of mortality. Risk factors such as comorbidities in the patient’s history including history of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease can increase the risk of developing necrotizing pancreatitis. The presentation of necrotizing pancreatitis is similar to acute pancreatitis, but specific labs such as hematocrit level can be monitored to anticipate the development of necrotizing pancreatitis. In addition, diagnostic imaging must be obtained to classify necrotizing pancreatitis and aid in management choice. Fluid hydration, adequate pain management, and nutritional support are the principles of treating necrotizing pancreatitis. Deciding whether to drain the necrotic collection or not is usually determined based on the type of necrosis present and whether it is infected. Infected necrotizing pancreatitis can also occur, and patients usually need to be monitored closely with appropriate antibiotics for a long duration. Patients affected by necrotizing pancreatitis can potentially develop complications that can lead to devastating outcomes. Necrotizing pancreatitis complications can occur due to an inflammatory reaction on the adjacent structure such as splanchnic vein thrombosis, gastrointestinal fistula or inflammatory reaction within the pancreas leading to an exocrine and an endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. We present here a literature review of necrotizing pancreatitis and the complications that can arise from it.