[Prognostic value of x-ray computed tomography in acute pancreatitis. Value of a new classification]

CT plays an important role in the screening of complications of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. There are three classifications at present, one based on a bioclinical score (Ranson) and the other two consisting of gradual stages of severity and resorting to CT imaging (Balthazar and Hill). The authors report about a study on 34 cases of acute pancreatitis, including 10 that became complicated, to which they applied a new classification including the existence of glandular necrosis, the number of extrapancreatic streaks, related to Ranson's bioclinical score. This classification makes it possible to classify acute pancreatitis into three stages: a mild stage with a favorable outcome, a medium stage requiring close surveillance, and stage 3 involving a high (75%) risk of severe complications.