Acute pancreatitis manifests as parenchymal necrosis, oedema and enzymatic fat necrosis. Acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis is more severe with more extensive necrosis as well as haemorrhage. In chronic pancreatitis , the pancreas appears shrunken and fibrotic. It may be associated with malabsorption, diabetes mellitus and pain. Severe acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis.
Alcoholism is a common predisposing factor.
Severe chronic pancreatitis in a male alcoholic aged 45. Alcohol is a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. The appearances of the heart are similar to those in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Low levels of alcohol increase plasma high density lipoprotein protecting against atheroma whereas high levels of alcohol have the opposite effect. Hypertrophied dilated heart in a 46 year old alcoholic with chronic congestive cardiac failure.