Pancreatitis Main Page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.
There are different forms of pancreatitis, which are different in causes and symptoms, and require different treatment.
Severe upper abdominal pain, with radiation through to the back, is the hallmark of pancreatitis. Nausea and vomiting (emesis) are prominent symptoms.
Although ultrasound imaging and CT scanning of the abdomen can be used to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis, neither is usually necessary as a primary diagnostic modality[1] . In addition, CT contrast may exacerbate pancreatitis,[2] although this is disputed.[3]
Although ultrasound imaging and CT scanning of the abdomen can be used to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis, neither is usually necessary as a primary diagnostic modality[1]