ABSITE Pancreas Exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Major pancreatic duct that forms in the pancreatic head and descends inferiorly and
joins the intrapancreatic portion of the common bile duct to form the common
pancreaticobiliary channel proximal to the ampulla of Vater. - ✔✔Duct of Wirsung
Accessory pancreatic duct that drains the anterior portion of the pancreatic head -
✔✔Duct of Santorini
What is the blood supply to the head of the pancreas? - ✔✔Anterior and
posterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal arteries from the gastroduodenal artery that form
collaterals with branches of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (inferoanterior and
posterior pancreaticoduodenal arteries)
What is the venous drainage of the pancreas? - ✔✔It parallels the arterial supply; drains
into the portal system via the superior mesenteric and splenic veins.
Which enzyme is responsible for pancreatic necrosis in presence of bile? -
✔✔Phospholipase A
What defines a high-output pancreatic fistula? - ✔✔Output in excess of 200 mL/d
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, What are the etiologies of acute pancreatitis? - ✔✔Gallstones and alcohol account for
>90% of cases. Other causes include hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia, trauma, pancreatic
duct obstruction, ischemia, drugs, familial, and idiopathic.
What are some common medications implicated as possible etiologies of pancreatitis? -
✔✔Azathioprine, furosemide, thiazides, sulfonamide, tetracycline, steroids, estrogens,
ethacrynic acid, and H2 blockers
What metabolic conditions could cause pancreatitis? - ✔✔Hyperlipidemia (types I, IV,
and V have been implicated); hypercalcemia, which is most commonly found with
hyperparathyroidism that could lead to intraductal precipitation of calcium
How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed? - ✔✔The diagnosis of pancreatitis requires 2 of the
following 3 features: abdominal pain characteristic of acute pancreatitis, a serum
amylase or lipase level at least 3 times the upper limit of normal, and characteristic
findings of acute pancreatitis on computed tomography (CT).
Which enzyme is implicated in etiology of pancreatitis? - ✔✔Trypsin
Which serum enzyme rises within 2 hours of the onset of pancreatitis and peaks within
48 hours? - ✔✔Amylase
What antibiotics are indicated for patients with mild pancreatitis? - ✔✔None!
Antibiotics neither improve the course nor prevent septic complications.
Brittie Donald, All Rights Reserved © 2025 2
Answers 100% Pass
Major pancreatic duct that forms in the pancreatic head and descends inferiorly and
joins the intrapancreatic portion of the common bile duct to form the common
pancreaticobiliary channel proximal to the ampulla of Vater. - ✔✔Duct of Wirsung
Accessory pancreatic duct that drains the anterior portion of the pancreatic head -
✔✔Duct of Santorini
What is the blood supply to the head of the pancreas? - ✔✔Anterior and
posterosuperior pancreaticoduodenal arteries from the gastroduodenal artery that form
collaterals with branches of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (inferoanterior and
posterior pancreaticoduodenal arteries)
What is the venous drainage of the pancreas? - ✔✔It parallels the arterial supply; drains
into the portal system via the superior mesenteric and splenic veins.
Which enzyme is responsible for pancreatic necrosis in presence of bile? -
✔✔Phospholipase A
What defines a high-output pancreatic fistula? - ✔✔Output in excess of 200 mL/d
Brittie Donald, All Rights Reserved © 2025 1
, What are the etiologies of acute pancreatitis? - ✔✔Gallstones and alcohol account for
>90% of cases. Other causes include hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia, trauma, pancreatic
duct obstruction, ischemia, drugs, familial, and idiopathic.
What are some common medications implicated as possible etiologies of pancreatitis? -
✔✔Azathioprine, furosemide, thiazides, sulfonamide, tetracycline, steroids, estrogens,
ethacrynic acid, and H2 blockers
What metabolic conditions could cause pancreatitis? - ✔✔Hyperlipidemia (types I, IV,
and V have been implicated); hypercalcemia, which is most commonly found with
hyperparathyroidism that could lead to intraductal precipitation of calcium
How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed? - ✔✔The diagnosis of pancreatitis requires 2 of the
following 3 features: abdominal pain characteristic of acute pancreatitis, a serum
amylase or lipase level at least 3 times the upper limit of normal, and characteristic
findings of acute pancreatitis on computed tomography (CT).
Which enzyme is implicated in etiology of pancreatitis? - ✔✔Trypsin
Which serum enzyme rises within 2 hours of the onset of pancreatitis and peaks within
48 hours? - ✔✔Amylase
What antibiotics are indicated for patients with mild pancreatitis? - ✔✔None!
Antibiotics neither improve the course nor prevent septic complications.
Brittie Donald, All Rights Reserved © 2025 2
