Which of the following can arise as complications of pancreatitis?

• A. Hypovolemic shock
• B. SIRS/sepsis
• C. Pseudocysts
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Pancreatitis can trigger both systemic inflammatory responses and local tissue damage that lead to several complications. The inflammatory process causes fluid shifts into the interstitial spaces, tissue hypoperfusion, and potential collapse of perfusion, which can result in hypovolemic shock. At the same time, the inflammatory mediators can drive a systemic inflammatory response, and if infection or necrosis develops, this can progress to sepsis. Locally, enzymatic digestion and tissue breakdown can form pseudocysts, which are fluid-filled, walled-off collections that may cause pain, obstruction, or infection. Because pancreatitis can produce all of these outcomes, the best answer is that all of the above can arise. In practice, monitor for signs of shock (hypotension, tachycardia, reduced urine output), for systemic inflammatory response or infection (fever, leukocytosis), and for abdominal signs or imaging evidence of pseudocysts.