title: Acute pancreatitis: assessment severity with Ranson score and CT evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Severe acute pancreatitis is a complex and challenging problem. The aim of the present study was to assess severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with Ranson score and CT scan.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2000 and December 2005, all patients who had each of the following criteria (1) first-time diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, (2) acute pancreatitis as the primary admitting diagnosis and (3) contrasted-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) were retrospectively reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-eight patients that met the present study criteria were identified. Of these patients, 27 were defined as SAP by using Ranson criteria and/or CE-CT. Within SAP group, factors showing significance (p < 0.05) in the patients that had a Ranson score between > or = 3 and < 3 were age and biliary tract stone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of severe acute pancreatitis in Srinagarind Hospital was 27.5%. Biliary disease and alcohol abuse together accounted for 81:48% of severe acute pancreatitis patients.
authors: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. potchavit@yahoo.com
authors: Potchavit
authors: P
authors: Aphinives
authors: Chananya
authors: C
authors: Karunasumetta
authors: Vajarabhongsa
authors: V
authors: Bhudhisawasdi
authors: O-Tur
authors: OT
authors: Saesaew