Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis involves pancreatic inflammation in a sudden manner presenting as abdominal pain, vomiting, abdomen distension and constipation.

Patients with severe disease may have decreased urinary output and respiratory distress.

Common causes

• Gall bladder stone
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Increased amount of blood lipids
• Hypercalcemia
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
• Drugs
• Tumor in pancreas or ampulla
• Worms in pancreatic duct

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests of acute pancreatitis are:

• USG abdomen
• Serum Amylase and Lipase
• CECT abdomen

Treatment

Patients with acute pancreatitis may require immediate hospitalization, and treatment includes:

• Adequate IV fluids
• Organ support indicated in case of organ failure
• IV antibiotics indicated in infection
• Surgery or endoscopic/percutaenous drainage in case of infected collection