Traumatic pancreatitis with peripheral fat necrosis

Abstract

Direct damage to the pancreas occurs in about 5YO of closed abdominal injuries, many of which arise from major accidents. The fixed retro-peritoneal site of the pancreas makes it particularly vulnerable to trauma by the steering column in cars not being constructed to modem safety requirements. As these injuries become more common, and as the number of survivors of such trauma increases, the longer term complications of trauma to the pancreas will become more common. A case is described demonstrating some of these complications arising from peripheral fat necrosis. Case reportA 54-year-old labourer was admitted to the Victoria Infirmary following a steering wheel injury to the epigastrium. Initially, he was found to have guarding in the upper abdomen. His blood pressure was 120/180 and his pulse rate 70/min. A plain radiograph of chest and abdomen showed no abnormality.