Acute pancreatitis

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Digestive system

Endocrine glands

Pancreatitis, acute - CT scan

• Abdominal pain that is greatest in the upper abdomen (upper left quadrant or upper middle of the abdomen)
  • Is persistent or chronic
  • May be worse lying flat on the back
  • May radiate to the back or below the left shoulder blade
  • May be worse after eating or drinking (occurs within minutes following meals), especially foods with a high fat content
  • May be worse after drinking alcohol
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Fever
• Mild jaundice

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Swollen abdomen
• Gaseous abdominal fullness
• Abdominal indigestion
• Hiccups
• Skin rash or lesion
• Clay-colored stools

General examination may show fever, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate or rapid respiratory rate.

Tests that show release of pancreatic enzymes:

• Elevated serum amylase
• Elevated urine amylase
• Elevated serum lipase

Test that show inflammation of the pancreas:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal MRI

In other blood tests results:

• CBC shows an elevated WBC coun .
• A glucose test may show elevated levels.
• Serum calcium may be decreased.

Review Date: 05/04/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.