History: New medication started in this patient several days ago
Diagnosis: Pancreatitis
Findings: Enlarged and edematous pancreas seen on CT with moderate ascites and peritoneal stranding consistent with ascites.
Key Points: Interstitial edematous pancreatitis and necrotizing pancreatitis are two subtypes of acute pancreatitis (e.g. the Atlanta Classification). Patients often present with severe epigastric pain, elevated amylase and lipase and/or imaging findings on ultrasound, CT, or MR. Causes of pancreatitis are wide ranging including but not limited to infection toxins, autoimmune processes, gallstones, alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders, trauma, drug-induced (as in this case). Complications such as adjacent fluid collections including abscess formation is also possible. Vascular events such as hemorrhage, splenic vein thrombosis, and portal vein thrombosis may also be seen concurrently.
Credit: Case submitted by Dr. Runalaila I Soon to radRounds Radiology Network
