Evaluation of unusual causes of pancreatitis: role of cross-sectional imaging.
There are widely diverse causes of pancreatitis. Gallstone and alcohol have been recognized as the most common causes of pancreatitis accounting for 90% of cases. However, acute and chronic pancreatitis may also result from a variety of uncommon causes. The determination of the etiology is important for patient management and prevention of recurrence. Sludge is the most common cause of idiopathic or recurrent acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasonography is considered as the most accurate diagnostic test for this abnormality. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have only a limited role in the diagnosis of sludge. However, papillitis observed on the contrast-enhanced CT and MR may provide clues to the detection of pancreatitis secondary to sludge, a small stone or a recently passed stone. Radiological studies, clinical presentation and laboratory data can be helpful in determining the etiology of unusual causes of pancreatitis such as anatomic anomalies, autoimmune pancreatitis, groove pancreatitis, and traumatic pancreatitis.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National College of Medicine and the Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Busan 602-739, Republic of Korea.
Sang Wook
SW
Kwak
Suk
S
Kim
Jun Woo
JW
Lee
Nam Kyung
NK
Lee
Chang Won
CW
Kim
Mi Seon
MS
Yi
Gwang Ha
GH
Kim
Dae Hwan
DH
Kang
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D035583:Rare Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*