IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Acute pancreatitis

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. History of laparotomy 20 years ago.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
ct

Peripancreatic inflammatory fat stranding as well as a moderate volume of retroperitoneal free fluid. A small amount of mesenteric and perihepatic fluid is also demonstrated. The gallbladder is distended, with multiple radiopaque gallstones. No pancreatic lesion is detected. No evidence of pancreatic necrosis. The common bile duct is visualized and does not appear to be dilated. No intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. No evidence of a pseudoaneurysm, splenic or portal vein thrombosis. The liver, spleen, adrenals and right kidney are within normal limits. The left kidney is atrophic, with evidence of cortical scarring. No hydronephrosis. Apart from colonic fecal loading, the bowel is unremarkable. No pneumoperitoneum.

Case Discussion

Features are typical of acute pancreatitis, secondary presumably to gallstones. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.