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Acute pancreatitis other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

Overview

ERCP in acute pancreatitis is used both to treat pancreatitis, and to determine the cause of idiopathic pancreatitis. There are specific indications for when to use ERCP, and one must keep in mind that ERCP is also a cause of pancreatitis.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Other Diagnostic Studies

ERCP

Early ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), performed within 24 to 72 hours of presentation, is known to reduce morbidity and mortality.[1] The indications for early ERCP are as follows :

  • Clinical deterioration or lack of improvement after 24 hours
  • Detection of common bile duct stones or dilated intrahepatic or extrahepatic ducts on CT abdomen

The disadvantages of ERCP are as follows :

  • ERCP precipitates pancreatitis, and can introduce infection to sterile pancreatitis
  • The inherent risks of ERCP i.e. bleeding
Case courtesy of Dr Adriana Dubbeldam, <a href=”https://radiopaedia.org/“>Radiopaedia.org</a>. From the case <a href=”https://radiopaedia.org/cases/22197“>rID: 22197</a>
References

References

  1. Apostolakos, Michael J. (2001). The Intensive Care Manual. McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 0070066965. Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (help)

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