Role of computed tomography in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis

Purpose: To define accuracy of plain and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the evaluation of severity of acute pancreatitis and its influence on therapeutic decisions. Materials and methods: 89 patients with the clinical diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis were examined by plain and contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. Clinical and CT scoring of severity were correlated and evaluated from the point of view of their influence on therapeutic strategy. Results: CT showed severe acute pancreatitis with (hemorrhagic) pancreas necrosis and/or other major org…