IntrOductIOnAcute Pancreatitis is a common condition presenting as acute abdomen. This condition is broadly classified into two subtypes: one, oedematous or mild acute pancreatitis and two, a necrotizing or severe acute pancreatitis. The majority of patients have mild interstitial edematous pancreatitis (IOP) which is self-limiting. However 20% have severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) which can progress to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and result in septic systemic complications with significant morbidity and mortality [1].The most common causes of pancreatitis are choledocholithiasis and ethanol abuse. Other causes include trauma, metabolic disorders (hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia), ERCP induced pancreatitis, medications (azathioprine, sulphonamides), tumours, and congenital anomalies such as pancreas divisum [2].
Aim:To study role of modified computed tomography severity index in evaluation of acute pancreatitis and its correlation with clinical outcome.
Materials and Methods:This was a hospital based prospective correlative study done on patients of all age groups referred to the Department of Radio diagnosis from the various indoor and outdoor departments of the hospital, with clinical/Laboratory/ ultrasonography findings suggestive of acute pancreatitis. The severity of pancreatitis was scored using Modified CT severity index & CT severity index and classified into mild, moderate and severe categories. Total of 50 patients of acute pancreatitis presenting to the emergency department of our hospital were included in the study. Clinical outcome parameters for correlation collected from respective referral departments included, the length of hospital stay (in days), need for surgical intervention, need for percutaneous intervention (aspiration and drainage), evidence of infection in any organ system (combination of a fever > 100°F and elevated WBC >15,000/ mm³), evidence of organ failure (PaO 2 < 60 mm Hg or need of ventilation, systolic BP of < 90 mm Hg,