Role of computed tomography severity index as a predictor of outcome in acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Purpose: The severity of acute pancreatitis can range from a mild clinical condition to a life-threatening scenario. Rapid severity assessment remains a challenge, and an obvious clinical need exists for a simple test that can identify patients at risk of developing a severe attack. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of computed tomography severity index in acute pancreatitis, and correlating it with morbidity and mortality. Material and Methods: This is a prospective study done on 50 patients of acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography severity index was used along with contrast enhanced computed tomography. Results: Maximum complications were noted in patients (91.67%) classified as severe while patients classified as mild had the least morbidity. This was also reflected in mortality and mean duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that Contrast enhanced computed tomography can clearly prognosticate patients of acute pancreatitis and can predict morbidity, mortality rate and duration of hospital stay in patients of acute pancreatitis and can predict which patients may require surgical intervention, to prevent the progression of disease [Cukurova Med J 2016; 41(1.000): 17-20]

Keywords

• Acute pancreatitis
• CT severity index
• mortality