Pancreatogenic Encephalopathy Syndrome, also known as pancreatic encephalopathy, refers to the condition where acute or recurrent chronic pancreatitis is accompanied by encephalopathic manifestations, termed as Pancreatogenic Encephalopathy Syndrome.

bubble_chart Pathogenesis

The diseased pancreatic tissue releases toxic substances and pancreatic enzymes that directly affect the brain, while shock-induced cerebral ischemia and azotemia also contribute to brain damage.

bubble_chart Pathological Changes

Cerebrovascular wall necrosis, hemorrhage, white matter demyelination, neuronal degeneration, and cerebral edema.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Encephalitis-like neuropsychiatric symptoms often occur within 2 weeks after the onset of pancreatitis, with the main manifestations including: ① Psychiatric symptoms: Restlessness, dysphoria, and other excitatory states, followed by hallucinations, disorientation, delirium, or unconsciousness. These symptoms resolve as pancreatitis improves. ② Neurological symptoms: Manifestations include convulsions, tremor, aphasia, and may also involve cranial nerve palsy, increased muscle tone, hyperreflexia, pathological reflexes, and ataxia.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

The cerebrospinal fluid is completely normal or shows only a grade I increase in cell count and protein. The EEG is normal or exhibits diffuse abnormalities.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

The diagnosis is not difficult for pancreatitis patients presenting with central nervous system symptoms.

bubble_chart Differentiation

It needs to be differentiated from other intracranial infectious diseases such as subcutaneous nodular meningitis and sporadic encephalitis.