Understanding a Shrunken Pancreas: Symptoms and Insights from a Bengaluru Gastroenterologist

The pancreas is a crucial organ that plays a significant role in digestion and metabolic functions. It regulates blood sugar levels by producing hormones like insulin.

Various factors can affect the pancreas’s hormone or enzyme production, including inflammation, cysts, tumors, or structural changes like shrinkage. Dr. Harshavardhan Rao, a gastroenterologist at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital in Bengaluru, shares insights on a condition known as a shrunken pancreas and the symptoms to be vigilant about.

What is a Shrunken Pancreas?

A shrunken pancreas, medically referred to as pancreatic atrophy, indicates a loss of tissue or damage for various reasons, including normal aging. Dr. Rao explains that while this condition can be part of the aging process, it must be assessed in the context of the individual's overall health and medical history.

After performing CT or MRI scans, further evaluations might be necessary if symptoms or risk factors are present.

Common Causes

Dr. Rao lists several common risk factors associated with a shrunken pancreas:

• Ageing: The most common reason for a smaller pancreas in older adults.
• Previous Inflammation: Past acute pancreatitis, often linked to alcohol consumption or gallstones, can scar the pancreas.
• Reduced Blood Flow: Narrowed arteries supplying the pancreas, common among smokers or those with high blood pressure, may lead to tissue shrinkage.
• Early-Stage Chronic Pancreatitis: Inflammation that can be asymptomatic initially but leads to tissue damage over time.

Symptoms

Symptoms that should prompt further investigation include:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loss of appetite and oily, foul-smelling stools.
• Dull pain in the upper abdomen, potentially radiating to the back, especially after eating.
• Uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

In such cases, Dr. Rao recommends the following diagnostic tests:

• Stool tests to assess fat content and enzyme levels.
• Blood tests to check for hemoglobin, liver function, and nutrient levels.
• Imaging studies, like endoscopic ultrasounds or MRIs.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

While regrowth of pancreatic tissue isn't possible, you can take steps to prevent further damage:

• Avoid alcohol, as it is a significant toxin for the pancreas.
• Quit smoking, a major risk factor for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
• Follow a low-fat, non-processed food diet to keep blood fats in check.
• Stay active to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Regular follow-ups are crucial, ideally every 6-12 months, to monitor for complications like osteoporosis, malnutrition, and increased cancer risk due to chronic inflammation.