CT findings in patients with acute pancreatitis

Computed tomographic images of 42 patients with acute pancreatitis were analysed in a prospective study. CT images were normal in 14 patients. In 16 patients diffuse enlargement of pancreas was observed. Limited swelling chiefly in the head and tail was seen in 11 patients. Fluid collections was observed in the lesser sac (9 cases), in the anterior pararenal space (10 cases), and in the posterior pararenal space (2 cases). Drainage was done on 5 patients. Two of them survived. In two cases without fluid collection, gastrojejunostomy was necessary because of obstruction of duodenum. (author)