Pancreatitis overview

Pancreatitis Main Page

Patient Information

Overview

Causes

Classification

Acute Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis
Hereditary Pancreatitis
Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Overview[edit | edit source]

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.

## Classification[edit | edit source]

There are different forms of pancreatitis, which are different in causes and symptoms, and require different treatment.

## Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

### History and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Severe upper abdominal pain, with radiation through to the back, is the hallmark of pancreatitis. Nausea and vomiting (emesis) are prominent symptoms.

### CT[edit | edit source]

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]

### Ultrasound[edit | edit source]

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]

## References[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fleszler F, Friedenberg F, Krevsky B, Friedel D, Braitman L (2003). "Abdominal computed tomography prolongs length of stay and is frequently unnecessary in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis". Am J Med Sci. 325 (5): 251–5. PMID 12792243.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)
2. ↑ McMenamin D, Gates L (1996). "A retrospective analysis of the effect of contrast-enhanced CT on the outcome of acute pancreatitis". Am J Gastroenterol. 91 (7): 1384–7. PMID 8678000.
3. ↑ Hwang T, Chang K, Ho Y (2000). "Contrast-enhanced dynamic computed tomography does not aggravate the clinical severity of patients with severe acute pancreatitis: reevaluation of the effect of intravenous contrast medium on the severity of acute pancreatitis". Arch Surg. 135 (3): 287–90. PMID 10722029.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)

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