Diagnosis of etiology in acute pancreatitis

Abstract

The correct identification of etiology in patients with acute pancreatitis is crucial for the outcome of the patient in clinical practice. Biliary acute pancreatitis is the predominant form of the disease, and it is characterized by a transient elevation of transaminases. Other etiologies, such as alcohol consumption, hypertriglyceridemia, drugs, parenchymal, and ductal abnormalities/lesions, need to be excluded in patients with normal transminases before considering the acute pancreatitis as idiopathic. Genetic testing may be considered in selected patients. The aim of the present chapter is to propose a bedside algorithm for clinical practice.