Liver Diseases & Hepatology

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Causes in order of frequency include:

• 
  A gallstone impacted in the common bile duct beyond the point where the pancreatic duct joins it


• 
  Heavy alcohol use


• 
  Systemic disease


• 
  Trauma


• 
  Mumps

Acute pancreatitis may be a single event; it may be recurrent; or it may progress to chronic pancreatitis.Mild cases are usually successfully treated with conservative measures: hospitalization, pain control, nothing by mouth, intravenous nutritional support, and intravenous fluid rehydration. Severe cases often require admission to an intensive care unit to monitor and manage complications of the disease. Complications are associated with a high mortality, even with optimal management.