Clinical Criteria for Pancreatitis
Pain Symptoms
The most common symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain that radiates to the back. It typically occurs in the upper abdomen, in the area between the ribs and the navel. The pain is often severe, constant, and may worsen after eating. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid heartbeat.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are often used to diagnose pancreatitis. These tests can include a blood test to look for levels of amylase and lipase, which are enzymes secreted by the pancreas. Other tests may include a stool test for signs of malabsorption, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the body. During an endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at its tip is inserted through the mouth and into the gastrointestinal tract. This allows the doctor to inspect the pancreas and look for signs of inflammation.
Other Diagnostic Criteria
In addition to the tests mentioned above, other criteria may be used to diagnose pancreatitis. These include the presence of symptoms that are characteristic of pancreatitis and an elevated white blood cell count. Other tests such as a liver function test, lipase levels, and imaging tests may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
