Course and therapy of nonpancreatic complications of chronic pancreatitis

: Out of 647 patients with chronic recurrent pancreatitis followed up for 10-12 years 27 patients (4.2%) developed symptomatic gastroduodenal ulcers, 29 (4.5%) multiple gastroduodenal erosions. Ulcers and erosions emerged in patients with pronounced pancreatic bicarbonate insufficiency. Sucralfate treatment produced the best effect, while almagel plus vicalin were superior to gastrozepin. Relapses of ulcerogenesis were registered in 8 cases, multiple erosions in 11 cases, left pleural exudate in 8 cases in the presence of chronic pancreatitis exacerbation. Pancreatocardiac syndrome with cardialgias, a trend to arterial hypotonia, reduced voltage of ECG waves, occasional extrasystolic arrhythmia occurred in 45 patients (7%). It is shown that metabolic disorders of biogenic amines and lowered blood levels of insulin and C-peptide may underlie pathogenesis of pancreatocardiac syndrome.