Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: June 28, 2021
Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis
E Kemppainen1, P Puolakkainen, A Leppäniemi
1Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. esko.kemppainen@huch.fi
Abstract:
There is no golden standard for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP). The diagnosis is currently based on clinical presentation, measurement of released pancreatic enzymes and imaging studies. Serum/urinary amylase, lipase and trypsinogen-2 dipstick are the most applicable methods in the clinical practice largely because of their simple, rapid, inexpensive and readily available assay methods. In addition to the clinical picture, inflammatory markers (CRP) or contrast enhanced CT can be used to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis. Multifactorial scoring systems (Ranson's prognostic signs, APACHE II, MOF-score) may be too cumbersome for clinical practice. Patient history, determination of AST, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels as well as imaging studies such as ultrasonography and ERCP can be used to distinguish between biliary and non-biliary origin of the disease.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

