From the Guidelines
Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, constant abdominal pain located in the upper abdomen and often radiating to the back, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and tender, swollen abdomen, and may develop into life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. The symptoms of acute pancreatitis can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe, and are caused by the premature activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas, leading to inflammation and damage to the organ itself 1.
Common Symptoms
- Severe, constant abdominal pain located in the upper abdomen and often radiating to the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tender, swollen abdomen
- Fever
- Rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if the bile duct is blocked by pancreatic swelling In severe cases, patients can develop respiratory distress, confusion, and signs of shock, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed 1. The intensity of symptoms correlates with the severity of inflammation, with mild cases potentially resolving within days while severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications.
Severity of Symptoms
The severity of symptoms can be classified into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe, based on the 2012 revision of the Atlanta classification and definitions 1.
- Mild: no organ failure, local or systemic complications, and usually resolves in the first week
- Moderate: transient (less than 48 h) organ failure, local complications or exacerbation of co-morbid disease
- Severe: persistent (more than 48 h) organ failure It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing sudden, severe abdominal pain, as acute pancreatitis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
- Abdominal pain radiating to the back 2, 3, 4, 5
- Epigastric abdominal pain 2
- Upper abdominal pain 4
- Elevated lipase or amylase levels three or more times the upper limit of the normal level 2, 3, 4
- Imaging findings of pancreatic inflammation 2, 3, 4
Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis
- Requires two of the following three criteria: abdominal pain, elevated lipase or amylase, and imaging findings of pancreatic inflammation 2, 3, 4
- Serum amylase and lipase analysis, a lipid panel including triglycerides, analysis of immunoglobulins, a full blood count, electrolyte analysis, a hemoglobin A1c test, and a complete metabolic panel 3
- Transabdominal ultrasound and abdominal cross-sectional imaging if there is diagnostic uncertainty 3, 4
Etiologies of Acute Pancreatitis
- Gallstones 2, 3, 4, 5
- Alcohol abuse 2, 3, 4, 5
- Hypertriglyceridemia 3, 4
- Obesity 3
- Drugs 3, 4
- Autoimmune disorders 3
- Smoking 3
- Post-endoscope retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) 3