Diagnosis on multi-slice spiral CT in acute pancreatitis and complications

Objective: To analyze multi-slice CT features and to assess the diagnostic value of CT in acute pancreatitis. Methods: CT was performed on 21 patients with acute pancreatitis in the unenhanced, arterial (28 seconds after intravenous contrast injection), venous (60 seconds) phases. The morphology and contrast enhancement enhancement patterns were analyzed. Results: Of 21 patients, pancreatic necrosis was found in 9 and acute edematous pancreatitis in 12. Associated findings included bile duct stones or cholecystitis (13), liver abscess (1), systemic lupus erythematosis (1), abdominal trauma (2), and pancreatic divisum (1). Complications included pseudoaneurysm (1), venous thrombosis (1), ascites (7), pleural effusion (4) and right lower lobe lung atelectasis (1). Conclusion: Tri-phasic multi-slice spiral CT can accurately distinguish acute edematous pancreatitis from acute hemorrhagic necrotic pancreatitis. CT allows comprehensive evaluation of the cause and complication of acute pancreatitis. (authors)