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Necrotizing pancreatitis

Case contributed by David Cuete
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Abdominal pain

Patient Data

Age: 17 years
Gender: Female

CT abdomen and pelvis

ct

The pancreas is swollen and the majority of the parenchyma is non-enhancing. Only a small amount of normally enhancing parenchyma is seen in the region of the pancreatic head. It displayed a marked dilatation of the common bile duct

Case Discussion

CT reveals non-enhancement of pancreatic body and tail, indicating pancreatic necrosis.  

The chief role of CT imaging in acute pancreatitis is to look for complications and hence imaging advised 48-72 hours after presentation.  If the clinical information permits, a multi-phase pancreatic study is recommended to best illustrate necrosis, in addition to other potential complications, such as peri-pancreatic collection, abscess, and pseudoaneurysm.

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