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Acute pancreatitis - Balthazar C

Case contributed by Bernardo Jose Meza
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

History of severe epigastric pain that radiates through to the back and elevation of amylase and lipase.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

CT Abdomen

ct

CT shows diffuse parenchymal enlargement secondary to inflammatory changes, also infiltration of peripancreatic fat and small to moderate amount of peripancreatic fluid.

CT study also shows bilateral pleural effusion.

Case Discussion

According to Balthazar Score used in CT Severity Index (CTSI), the evidence of inflammatory changes in the pancreas and peripancreatic fat would suggest a grade C pancreatitis. This would represent mild pancreatitis (interstitial pancreatitis), which has no pancreatic or extrapancreatic necrosis.

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