Alcohol (OH) and the Skin – Pancreatitis (For professionals)

Pancreatitis

• Due to alcohol abuse in 65% of cases

• Clinically: Panniculitis

1. also called nodular cystosteatonecrosis or cutaneous nodular adiponecrosis: mechanism thought to be due to the liberation of enzymes in the circulation directly or through lymphatic channels
2. found in the male between 40 and 70 years old
3. clinically: dermohypodermic inflammatory plaques predominantly located in the fingers and lower limbs with pain. Can lead to fistulisation and leakage of molten fat. Evolves in to cup-like depressions. Accompanied with fever, arthralgia, distal bone pain ( due to cystosteatonecrosis of the bone medulla).

• lab findings: elevation of serum amylase and lipase levels.

• histology: foci of adipocyte necrosis, beginning in the centrolobular area. The content of the adipocytes disappears and only the cypoplasmic membranes of these “ghost cells”. Finally formation of a lipophagic granuloma.

Bibliography: Dermatologie et Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles, 4th Edition