Acute Pancreatitis

What is Acute Pancreatitis?

Inflammation of the pancreas, most often from gallstones or alcohol. CT helps assess severity and complications.

Imaging Appearance

• Diffuse or focal enlargement with blurred margins
• Peripancreatic fat stranding or fluid
• Areas of non-enhancement suggest necrosis
• Collections may evolve into pseudocysts

Clinical Significance

• BISAP/CT severity informs ICU needs
• Look for biliary obstruction or gallstones

Symptoms

• Epigastric pain radiating to back
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fever in severe cases

Diagnosis

• Contrast-enhanced CT after 48–72h if diagnosis uncertain or severe
• Labs: liver enzymes for biliary cause; others per clinician

Treatment

• Aggressive IV fluids, pain control, NPO initially
• Address cause: ERCP for gallstone pancreatitis when indicated
• Manage collections or necrosis in multidisciplinary care

Prognosis

• Mild cases resolve; necrotizing disease increases morbidity

What Should You Do?

1. Follow hospital care plan and hydration targets.
2. Avoid alcohol and high-fat meals post-recovery.
3. Seek care for recurrent pain or fever.

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Medical Disclaimer: Educational only; follow specialist advice.