title: Radiological signs of acute pancreatitis.
abstract: Acute pancreatitis is commonly presented as a confusing and challenging diagnostic problem. This article is intended to show the increasingly important contribution radiology plays in the establishment of a correct initial diagnosis as well as in recognizing the serious complications of acute pancreatitis. A short discussion of the etiology and pathophysiology of pancreatitis is essential in understanding the mechanism of production of the X-ray findings. The most important recently published papers on this topic are reviewed together with a personal evaluation of the most significant and reliable radiographic changes. Statistical data, indications, and contraindications as well as the limitations of our radiographic procedures are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000150:complications; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000293:injuries; D010181:Pancreatic Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray; D014463:Ultrasonography