A mini review of the imaging modalities in acute pancreatitis

10.17605/OSF.IO/2J8DT

 

Saneesh PS, Yelamanchi R, Garaga UC, Gupta N. A mini review of the imaging modalities in acute pancreatitis. Am J Med Surg. Apr 2021; 3(3). 1-6.

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Abstract: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammation of pancreatic parenchyma associated with local and systemic complications. It is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. Alcohol and gall stone disease are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. It has wide variations in the clinical presentation and severity which ranges from self limiting pancreatic edema to life threatening local complications and systemic organ failure. In most of the patients, AP is a self limiting disease, but in 15-20% of patients disease can progress into severe local complications and systemic organ failure with a high mortality rate of 20-30%.

Multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) is considered as the gold standard imaging modality in AP. MDCT is not only used for diagnosing AP but also for detecting any associated local complications, severity grading and follow up of patients. Radiological severity grading of acute pancreatitis is assessed as per the modified computerized tomography severity index (MCTSI). Apart from MDCT, transabdominal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound are also used in acute pancreatitis. The present article is a mini review of the various commonly used imaging modalities in acute pancreatitis. Knowledge of the various imaging modalities, their advantages and drawbacks is essential for the clinicians to order the most suitable investigation for the patient.

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Keywords: Pancreatitis, CT-scan, Pancreatic imaging.