[Imaging of pancreatitis]

Acute and chronic pancreatitis involve different problems. In acute pancreatitis, the method of choice is CT scan, which provides a precise description of the lesions as a basis for establishing criteria of severity. Discovery of infection often requires scan-guided puncture. For chronic pancreatitis, a greater range of examinations is available. The CT scan is the best noninvasive method. Ultrasound examination can be repeated for follow-up. Echoendoscopy shows early signs. Excellent diagnostic results are provided by retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography. It is indispensable for the presurgery work-up and sometimes for differential diagnosis of cancer.