Acute Pancreatitis: Pathophysiology, Clinical Aspects, Diagnosis e Treatment

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammation of the pancreas. The clinical classification of the disease recognizes the mild acute pancreatitis, characterized by the absence of local and/or systemic complications, and the severe disease, characterized by the presence of local complications such as necrosis, abscess or pseudocysts and/ or distant organ failure. Gallstones constitute the predominant etiological factor. The severity assessment is essential for proper initial treatment of the disease. Primary objectives to achieve in the treatment of acute pancreatitis essentially are: pain control, electrolyte support and energy intake, removal of the causal agent, attenuation of the inflammation, and prevention and eventual treatment of local and systemic complications of necrotizing forms.