[Clinico-tomographic correlations in acute pancreatitis]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Acute pancreatitis, particularly the necrotic-hemorrhagic form, presented a significant surgical challenge.
• Between 1989-1997, Baia Mare surgery ward managed an average of 16-17 acute pancreatitis cases annually, with 8-9 being necrotic-hemorrhagic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of computerized tomography (CT) on diagnosing and managing acute pancreatitis.
• To assess the correlation between CT findings, clinical presentation, and prognostic indexes in acute pancreatitis patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of acute pancreatitis cases treated between 1989-1997.
• Utilized computerized tomography for pre-operative diagnosis and post-operative monitoring of inflammatory changes.
• Correlated dynamic CT findings (pancreatic volume, structure, fluid collections) with clinical data and prognostic indicators.

Main Results:

• Computerized tomography enhanced diagnostic accuracy and post-operative surveillance of pancreatic inflammation.
• Despite improved evaluation, mortality from acute pancreatitis and its complications remained high.
• The post-surgery death rate for acute pancreatitis was between 17-21%.

Conclusions:

• Computerized tomography is a valuable tool for acute pancreatitis management, improving diagnostic precision and monitoring.
• Significant challenges persist in reducing mortality associated with severe acute pancreatitis and its complications.
• Further advancements are needed to improve surgical outcomes and decrease the high post-operative death rate in these critical cases.