Pancreatitis and diated pancreatic ducts

Case study for a 36 year female from Ghana, Pancreatitis, Dilated Pancreatic Ducts, Medical Management 

Diagnosis – As per the shared report, patient is diagnosed with Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis. The Ultrasound imaging shows mildly dilated pancreatic ducts. The exact cause of inflammation is still unknown. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

When alcohol, smoking, and visible gallstones are completely ruled out, recurrent acute pancreatitis points toward less common, hidden triggers. In the medical community, this scenario initiates an “idiopathic” or specialized diagnostic workup to uncover the underlying cause.

Some of the reasons may be –

1. Biliary Sludge / Microlithiasis: Microscopic crystals or “sludge” in the gallbladder that are too small to be seen on standard ultrasounds.
2. Hypertriglyceridemia: Extremely high blood fat levels (typically above 1,000 mg/dL). Hypercalcemia: Overactive parathyroid glands causing high calcium levels.
3. Pancreas Divisum: A congenital variation where the two parts of the pancreatic duct fail to fuse together during development.
4. Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD): Malfunctioning muscle valves that restrict fluid drainage.
5. Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP): The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy pancreatic tissue.
6. Hereditary Mutations: Genetic variations in specific markers (such as the CFTR, SPINK1, or PRSS1 genes) that increase susceptibility to inflammation.
7. Drug Side Effects: Certain prescription medications (such as specific diuretics, azathioprine, or valproic acid) can cause unexpected pancreatic inflammation.
   To confirm the treatment plan patient will need to go through some investigations.

Investigations needed – Patient will need Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Fasting Lipid Profile, Serum Calcium & PTH Test, Colonoscopy, Rectal biopsy, CT Scan, MRCP (MRI of the ducts), IgG4 Blood Test, Genetic Panel Testing, and other routine tests to find out the cause for the problems you are experiencing. Based on the test results, we can formulate a plan for treatment.

Possible line of treatment – The exact line of treatment will largely depend upon the route cause analysis why the pancreatitis has been recurring.
If there are Gallstones, Biliary Sludge, Pancreatic Divism or Sphincter of Oddi. Patient may need a surgical intervention. If it is autoimmune, hereditary mutation, any acute infections or side effects of any drugs patient may need advance medical management.

Medical Management will be done with advance medicines to give immediate and long-term results. The patient will be under direct surveillance of the doctor. And after if it is found that the offered drugs and the medical management protocol is best for him, the line of treatment can be continued back at home.

Kindly note: The advised treatment plan is solely based on the information shared with us; the final line of treatment will be decided post clinical and physical evaluations of the patient on arrival only.

We’d recommend the following Best Hospitals and having Top Doctors: – 

1. Sharda University Hospital // Dr. Abhishek Deepak

Kindly check the hospital gallery via link –  https://pin.it/14ymRrOFI

2. Manipal Hospital-New Delhi // Dr. Avnish Seth 

Kindly have a virtual tour of the hospital via link – https://pin.it/4KfvFuqEV

3. Amrita Hospitals // Dr. Bhaskar Nandi 

Kindly check the hospital gallery via link – https://pin.it/6VWWsyyzq

4. Max Healthcare, Gurugram // Dr. Ayush Dhingra 

 Kindly check the hospital gallery via link –  https://pin.it/2sWwqfts7

5. Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon // Dr. Bimal Kumar Sahu 

Kindly check the hospital gallery via link – https://pin.it/1bs51UAGE

Estimated cost: 
The estimated cost of evaluations will be approx. USD 800-1000 on OPD basis. 
The Estimated cost of Medical Management at the various hospital will be approx.: 

*If at all a Surgery is required the cost may vary between USD 3000-6000 an exact costing cannot be given as we don’t know the exact reason of the pancreatitis.

Kindly Note – The given cost is a tentative cost based on the shared information. The exact line of treatment and cost can be provided only after reviewing the latest investigation. Kindly note that cost may change in case the diagnosis or line of treatment changes or due to any other prevailing situation.

Stay in India – The patient will require 3-5 days for initial evaluations on an OPD basis.

For Medical Management- The patient will require 7-10 days stay for medical management on OPD Basis.

Total Length Stay in India will be approx. 2 weeks. If at all a surgery is required it may take 8-10 days extra.

Inclusions: 
1.      The cost of all investigations
2.      The cost of the medical management on OPD basis.
3.      The doctor’s fee
4.      It also includes complementary Airport Transfers, Forex Services and assistance. 

Exclusions:
1.       Any consultation other than in discussion
2.       Extended stay
3.       Treatment for any other illness

On Arrival:
Patient and his attendants will be received at the airport by our Representative. Apart from the medical and nursing team, one Case Manager will take care of all the needs. We shall also assist them with the reasonably charged accommodation near the hospital.  Patient and attendant may arrange 35-50 USD per day toward accommodation and food at Guest House.
Hope I have been able to give you a satisfactory answer to the query. Do kindly ask for any clarifications needed. I will be happy to answer & shall look forward to assisting you.

Regards,
Aabbhik.