The diagnosis and management of fluid collections associated with pancreatitis

Pancreatitis may be acute or chronic, mild or severe. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis remains the most serious form of acute pancreatitis and accounts for the majority of complications. Although there is an established nomenclature for pancreatitis and pancreatic fluid collections, such as pancreatic pseudocysts, it is not widely understood or recognized by physicians, including gastroenterologists. Because nonspecialists will be increasingly called upon to treat and appropriately refer patients with pancreatitis and its complications for more specialized care, it is important to understand the evolving treatment options for managing these patients. This article addresses and summarizes pancreatitis and its complications, particularly pancreatic collections.