PANCREATIC CHOLERA Meaning and
Definition
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Pancreatic cholera refers to a rare medical condition characterized by excessive production and secretion of watery, alkaline pancreatic fluid into the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is usually caused by an endocrine tumor called a pancreatic VIPoma (Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide secreting tumor) or VIP-producing islet cell adenoma, which leads to the abnormal production and release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP).
The excess VIP released by the tumor affects the secretory functions of the pancreas, leading to the production of a large volume of secretion with a high electrolyte content. As a result, the excessive fluid overwhelms the absorptive capacity of the small intestine, leading to severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances characteristic of cholera.
Common symptoms of pancreatic cholera include profuse watery diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and malnutrition. The stool may have a pale appearance due to the high content of pancreatic fluid, and the patient may present with low blood pressure.
Diagnosis of pancreatic cholera involves various laboratory tests, such as measurement of VIP levels in the blood, as well as imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the presence of tumors.
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor responsible for the excessive VIP production, which often leads to the resolution of symptoms. Additionally, symptomatic treatment may be necessary to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances, along with the administration of medications to control diarrhea. Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor the patient's progress and to detect any recurrence of the tumor.
Common Misspellings for PANCREATIC CHOLERA
- oancreatic cholera
- lancreatic cholera
- -ancreatic cholera
- 0ancreatic cholera
- pzncreatic cholera
- psncreatic cholera
- pwncreatic cholera
- pqncreatic cholera
- pabcreatic cholera
- pamcreatic cholera
- pajcreatic cholera
- pahcreatic cholera
- panxreatic cholera
- panvreatic cholera
- panfreatic cholera
- pandreatic cholera
- panceeatic cholera
- pancdeatic cholera
- pancfeatic cholera
- pancteatic cholera
Etymology of PANCREATIC CHOLERA
"Pancreatic cholera" is not a commonly used medical term. However, there are two separate components in the term that can be examined individually:
1. Pancreatic: The term "pancreatic" refers to the pancreas, which is a glandular organ located in the abdomen. The word "pancreas" itself has a Greek origin. It comes from the Greek words "pan" meaning "all" and "kreas" meaning "flesh". This is because the pancreas is composed of different types of tissues.
2. Cholera: Cholera is a severe bacterial infection that affects the small intestine, leading to symptoms like watery diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. The word "cholera" is derived from the Greek word "kholē" meaning "bile" and "-ra" meaning "flow".
