Pancreatic Trauma

Description

• Direct epigastric blow compressing pancreas against vertebral column resulting in blunt trauma
• Injury to pancreas from penetrating object

• Trauma affects proportionately larger areas, leading to multisystem injuries
• Children have less protective muscle and SC tissue
• Malpositioned seat belts and child abuse need to be considered in small children
• Children will less often present with hypotension

Etiology

• Penetrating trauma: Most common mechanism
• Blunt trauma: Deep location of pancreas requires significant force to cause injury:
  • Steering wheel, seat belts, or bicycle handlebars to abdomen
  • In children, evaluate for nonaccidental trauma

Commonly Associated Conditions

• Liver, stomach
• Major arteries and veins
• Spleen, kidney
• Duodenum, colon, small bowel
• Common bile duct, gallbladder
• Spine: Chance fracture