Prospective study of 310 patients: can early CT predict the severity of acute pancreatitis?

Pancreas volumes and predictive factors in healthy children

BACKGROUND

Pancreas volume might be a quantitative metric of pancreas health and function in children.

OBJECTIVE

To establish normative pancreas volumes and determine factors associated with pancreas volume.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 140 healthy children (balanced from 0 to 18 years, stratified by age and gender) who underwent contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen. Pancreas volume was manually segmented by a single reviewer using 3D Slicer and corrected by a pediatric radiologist. We used Bland-Altman difference analysis to quantify differences in initial and refined segmented pancreas volume, and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare continuous variables. We used Pearson correlation for univariate associations. To determine predictors, we used multivariable regression. Finally, we generated quantile regression equations to determine pancreas volume based on age or body surface area (BSA).

RESULTS

Pancreas volume for the study sample ranged from 2 mL to 99 mL. Age (r=0.90, P<0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (r=0.66, P<0.0001), BSA (r=0.94, P<0.0001), height (r=0.91, P<0.0001) and weight (r=0.90, P<0.0001) were all positively correlated with pancreas volume on univariate analysis. On multivariable analysis, BSA (+36 mL/m², P<0.0001) and female gender (-2.8 mL, P=0.062) were significant independent predictors of pancreas volume. The mean difference between initial and refined segmentation was 0.80 mL (95% limits of agreement: -7.9 mL to 9.5 mL).

CONCLUSION

We report pancreas volumes for healthy children. We found that age, BMI, BSA, height and weight were each significantly, positively correlated with pancreas volume in univariate analyses, while BSA and female gender were significant independent predictive factors on multivariable analysis.

Prediction of Necrotizing Pancreatitis on Early CT Based on the Revised Atlanta Classification

Purpose

To investigate the clinical and CT features at admission to predict the progression to necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) in patients initially diagnosed with interstitial edematous pancreatitis (IEP).

Materials and Methods

Patients with IEP who underwent contrast-enhanced CT at admission and follow-up CT (< 14 days) were included (n = 178). Two radiologists performed a consensus review of follow-up CT scans and diagnosed the type of acute pancreatitis as IEP or NP. Laboratory findings at admission were recorded. Clinical, CT, and laboratory findings were compared between the IEP-IEP group and IEP-NP group using the chi-square test and the t-test. Multivariate analysis was also performed.

Results

There were 112 and 66 patients in the IEP-IEP and the IEP-NP groups, respectively. The proportion of patients with alcohol etiology was significantly larger in the IEP-NP group. Among the CT findings, the presence of peripancreatic fluid and heterogeneous parenchymal enhancement were more frequently observed in the IEP-NP group. Among the laboratory variables, serum C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in the IEP-NP group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of peripancreatic fluid and heterogeneous parenchymal enhancement were significant findings distinguishing the two groups.

Conclusion

CT findings, such as the presence of peripancreatic fluid and heterogeneous pancreatic parenchymal enhancement, may be helpful in predicting the progression to NP in patients initially diagnosed with IEP.

Can Disturbed Liver Perfusion Revealed in p-CT on the First Day of Acute Pancreatitis Provide Information about the Expected Severity of the Disease?

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic properties of perfusion parameters of liver parenchyma based on computed tomography (CT) of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) made on the first day of onset of symptoms, to assess their usefulness in identifying patients with increased risk of the development of severe AP.

Methods

79 patients with clinical symptoms and biochemical criteria indicative of AP underwent perfusion computed tomography (p-CT) within 24 hours after onset of the symptoms. Perfusion parameters in 41 people who developed a severe form of AP were compared with parameters in 38 patients in whom the course of AP was mild.

Results

Statistical differences in the liver perfusion parameters between the group of patients with mild and severe AP were shown. The permeability-surface area product was significantly lower, and the hepatic arterial fraction was significantly higher in the group of patients with progression of AP.

Conclusions

Based on the results, it seems that p-CT performed on the first day from the onset of AP is a method that, by revealing disturbances in hepatic perfusion, can help in identifying patients with increased risk of the development of severe AP.

Aging and Comorbidities in Acute Pancreatitis I: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review Based on 194,702 Patients

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common cause of hospitalization among gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. Although most of the cases are mild, approximately 10-20% of patients develop a severe course of disease with higher mortality rate. Scoring systems consider age as a risk factor of mortality and severity (BISAP; >60 years, JPN>70 years, RANSON; >55 years, APACHE II >45 years). If there is a correlation between aging and the clinical features of AP, how does age influence mortality and severity? Aim: This study aimed to systematically review the effects of aging on AP. Methods: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in the Embase, Cochrane, and Pubmed databases. A meta-analysis was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement (PRISMA). A total of 1,100 articles were found. After removing duplicates and articles containing insufficient or irrelevant data, 33 publications involving 194,702 AP patients were analyzed. Seven age categories were determined and several mathematical models, including conventional mathematical methods (linear regression), meta-analyses (random effect model and heterogeneity tests), meta-regression, funnel plot and Egger's test for publication bias were performed. Quality assessment was conducted using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42017079253). Results: Aging greatly influences the outcome of AP. There was a low severe AP incidence in patients under 30 (1.6%); however, the incidence of severe AP showed a continuous, linear increase between 20 and 70 (0.193%/year) of up to 9.6%. The mortality rate was 0.9% in patients under 20 and demonstrated a continuous linear elevation until 59, however from this age the mortality rate started elevating with 9 times higher rate until the age of 70. The mortality rate between 20 and 59 grew 0.086%/year and 0.765%/year between 59 and 70. Overall, patients above 70 had a 19 times higher mortality rate than patients under 20. The mortality rate rising with age was confirmed by meta-regression (coefficient: 0.037 CI: 0.006-0.068, p = 0.022; adjusted r2: 13.8%), and severity also (coefficient: 0.035 CI: 0.019-0.052, p < 0.001; adjusted r2: 31.6%). Conclusion: Our analysis shows a likelihood of severe pancreatitis, as well as, pancreatitis-associated mortality is more common with advanced age. Importantly, the rapid elevation of mortality above the age of 59 suggests the involvement of additional deteriorating factors such as co-morbidity in elderly.

Perfusion-CT--Can We Predict Acute Pancreatitis Outcome within the First 24 Hours from the Onset of Symptoms?

PURPOSE

Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is still a significant clinical problem which is associated with a highly mortality. The aim of this study was the evaluation of prognostic value of CT regional perfusion measurement performed on the first day of onset of symptoms of AP, in assessing the risk of developing severe form of acute pancreatitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

79 patients with clinical symptoms and biochemical criteria indicative of acute pancreatitis (acute upper abdominal pain, elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase) underwent perfusion CT within 24 hours after onset of symptoms. The follow-up examinations were performed after 4-6 days to detect progression of the disease. Perfusion parameters were compared in 41 people who developed severe form of AP (pancreatic and/or peripancreatic tissue necrosis) with parameters in 38 consecutive patients in whom course of AP was mild. Blood flow, blood volume, mean transit time and permeability surface area product were calculated in the three anatomic pancreatic subdivisions (head, body and tail). At the same time the patient's clinical status was assessed by APACHE II score and laboratory parameters such as CRP, serum lipase and amylase, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and bilirubin were compared.

RESULTS

Statistical differences in the perfusion parameters between the group of patients with mild and severe AP were shown. Blood flow, blood volume and mean transit time were significantly lower and permeability surface area product was significantly higher in patients who develop severe acute pancreatitis and presence of pancreatic and/or peripancreatic necrosis due to pancreatic ischemia. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of evaluated on admission severity of pancreatitis assessed using APACHE II score and laboratory tests.

CONCLUSIONS

CT perfusion is a very useful indicator for prediction and selection patients in early stages of acute pancreatitis who are at risk of developing pancreatic and/or peripancreatic necrosis already on the first day of the onset of symptoms and can be used for treatment planning and monitoring of therapy of acute pancreatitis. Early suspicion of possible pancreatic necrosis both on the basis of scores based on clinical status and laboratory tests have low predictive value.

Modified Computed Tomography Severity Index for Evaluation of Acute Pancreatitis and its Correlation with Clinical Outcome: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Acute Pancreatitis is a very common condition leading to the emergency visits in both developed and developing countries. Computed Tomography plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and subsequent management of pancreatitis. The modified CT severity index includes a simplified assessment of pancreatic inflammation and necrosis as well as an assessment of extra pancreatic complications.

AIM

To study role of modified computed tomography severity index in evaluation of acute pancreatitis and its correlation with clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a hospital based prospective correlative study done on patients of all age groups referred to the Department of Radio diagnosis from the various indoor and outdoor departments of the hospital, with clinical/Laboratory/ultrasonography findings suggestive of acute pancreatitis. The severity of pancreatitis was scored using Modified CT severity index & CT severity index and classified into mild, moderate and severe categories. Total of 50 patients of acute pancreatitis presenting to the emergency department of our hospital were included in the study. Clinical outcome parameters for correlation collected from respective referral departments included, the length of hospital stay (in days), need for surgical intervention, need for percutaneous intervention (aspiration and drainage), evidence of infection in any organ system (combination of a fever > 100°F and elevated WBC >15,000/ mm(3)), evidence of organ failure (PaO2 < 60 mm Hg or need of ventilation, systolic BP of < 90 mm Hg, serum creatinine of >300μmoles/L or urine output of < 500 ml / 24 h) and death.

RESULTS

The age of the patients in the study group was in the range of 17 to 80 years. Maximum patients were in the age group 40-50 years (42.0%). The mean age was 42.32 years. Out of 50 cases, 33 (66%) were male and 17 (34%) were females with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Cholelithiasis was found to be most common aetiological factor for acute pancreatitis in 40% cases. Alcoholic pancreatitis was seen in 36% of cases. Together cholelithiasis and alcoholism accounted for 76% of cases. Pleural effusion was the most common extra-pancreatic complication, 28 patients (56%), followed by ascites. Majority of patients were categorized as severe pancreatitis (44%). 38% patients were grouped into moderate pancreatitis and 18% were categorized in mild pancreatitis. The outcome parameters in terms of length of hospital stay, need of intervention, development of infection, and development of organ failure were more in patients with higher modified CT severity index.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion CECT was found to be an excellent imaging modality for diagnosis, establishing the extent of disease process and in grading its severity. The Modified CT Severity Index is a simpler scoring tool and more accurate than the Balthazar CT Severity Index. In this study, it had a stronger statistical correlation with the clinical outcome, be it the length of hospital stay, development of infection, occurrence of organ failure and overall mortality. It could also predict the need for interventional procedures.

Prior statin use and the outcomes in patients with first-attack acute pancreatitis: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether prior stain use before admission for a first-attack AP would reduce the severity and mortality rate of a first-attack of AP with a dose-response relationship.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a tertiary medical center's database in Taiwan. We evaluated the dose-response relationship between statin use and the first-attack of AP by defining the daily dose (DDD). The cumulative DDD (cDDD) was calculated as the sum of the dispensed DDD of any specific statin. The outcome measures in our study included the hospital mortality rate, duration of hospitalization, Ranson's score, computed tomography severity index (CTSI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level.

RESULTS

In our study, we enrolled 31 patients in statin group and 63 matched patients in control group. In the univariate analysis there was no significant difference between them with regard to the outcomes except the CTSI and serum calcium concentration. According to multivariate analysis the serum calcium concentration was significantly higher in the statin group, and the CTSI was lower in the statin group. In subgroup analysis we divided the statin group into two groups according to the cDDDs (<365days and >365days) and the results showed no significance in the demographic data, overall mortality rate, hospitalization days, CRP level, Ranson's score, or CTSI.

CONCLUSION

Our study rejected the hypothesis that statins have beneficial effects on the clinical outcomes of patients with a first-attack of AP. However we demonstrated that statins have a positive effect on the CTSI.

Acute Pancreatitis: Extrapancreatic Necrosis Volume as Early Predictor of Severity

PURPOSE

To determine the volume of extrapancreatic necrosis that predicts severe acute pancreatitis and to assess the reliability of this threshold in predicting severe acute pancreatitis compared with current scoring systems and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study included patients with acute pancreatitis who were examined with computed tomography (CT) 2-6 days after disease onset. Extrapancreatic necrosis volume, Balthazar score, and CT severity index (CTSI) were calculated. CRP levels 48 hours after the onset of symptoms were reviewed. Outcome parameters included organ failure, infection, need for surgery or percutaneous intervention, duration of hospitalization, and/or death. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the optimal threshold for predicting clinical outcomes. Pairwise comparisons of areas under ROC curves (AUCs) from the different grading systems were performed. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement in the grading of extrapancreatic necrosis was assessed by using κ statistics.

RESULTS

In 264 patients, significant relationships were found between extrapancreatic necrosis volume and organ failure, infection, duration of hospitalization, need for intervention, and death (P < .001 for all). The optimal threshold for predicting severe acute pancreatitis was 100 mL. Sensitivity and specificity were 95% (19 of 20) and 83% (142 of 172), respectively, for predicting organ failure (vs 100% [20 of 20] and 46% [79 of 172] for the Balthazar score and 25% [five of 20] and 95% [163 of 172] for the CTSI). The extrapancreatic necrosis AUC was the highest for all systems. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement based on the 100-mL threshold was considered to be excellent.

CONCLUSION

A simple grading system based on an objective criterion such as a threshold of 100 mL of extrapancreatic necrosis provides more reliable information for predicting acute pancreatitis outcomes than do the current scoring systems.

Does early ED CT scanning of afebrile patients with first episodes of acute pancreatitis ever change management?

Rising utilization of computed tomography (CT) imaging early in the course of acute pancreatitis (AP) has been recently reported. However, radiographic demonstration of the degree of necrosis or the presence of complications is not fully apparent within the first days of an acute attack. The objective of this study was to examine if CT scanning early in the course of disease (<48 h of symptoms) in afebrile patients with an emergency department (ED) diagnosis of first episode of AP revealed any unanticipated pathology that altered clinical management. A retrospective chart review of all adult patients with a first episode of AP without fever admitted to the medical ward through the ED of our community hospital from January 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012 was performed. In cases in which CT scans were performed, the record was reviewed to determine if any unexpected findings were uncovered or if patient care was altered by the CT report. Two hundred forty-eight patients were admitted with an ED diagnosis of AP; 26.2 % (n = 65) met inclusion criteria; 70.8 % (n = 46) received a CT scan within 48 h of symptom onset. No patient that underwent CT scanning had an unexpected finding (95 % CI, 0.923-1.0). Our results demonstrate that afebrile patients with first episodes of AP do not benefit from early abdominal CT imaging. These results support the ACR Appropriateness Criteria recommendation that CT is not indicated in the first 48 h after symptom onset in unequivocal cases of AP.

Classifications of acute pancreatitis: to Atlanta and beyond

Until Atlanta Classification (AC) made in 1992, there was not any classification of acute pancreatitis (AP). Last twenty years AC let us compare results and papers. But the increasing understanding of the pathophysiology of AP, improvements in diagnostic methods and the development of minimally invasive tools for radiological, endoscopic and surgical management of local complications, several authors have called for the AC to be reviewed. Last months, two new classifications of AP have been published. We made a historical review of AC, the two new classifications and a comparison between them.

Staged multidisciplinary step-up management for necrotizing pancreatitis

Background

Some 15 per cent of all patients with acute pancreatitis develop necrotizing pancreatitis, with potentially significant consequences for both patients and healthcare services.

Methods

This review summarizes the latest insights into the surgical and medical management of necrotizing pancreatitis. General management strategies for the treatment of complications are discussed in relation to the stage of the disease.

Results

Frequent clinical evaluation of the patient's condition remains paramount in the first 24–72 h of the disease. Liberal goal-directed fluid resuscitation and early enteral nutrition should be provided. Urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is indicated when cholangitis is suspected, but it is unclear whether this is appropriate in patients with predicted severe biliary pancreatitis without cholangitis. Antibiotic prophylaxis does not prevent infection of necrosis and antibiotics are not indicated as part of initial management. Bacteriologically confirmed infections should receive targeted antibiotics. With the more conservative approach to necrotizing pancreatitis currently advocated, fine-needle aspiration culture of pancreatic or extrapancreatic necrosis will less often lead to a change in management and is therefore indicated less frequently. Optimal treatment of infected necrotizing pancreatitis consists of a staged multidisciplinary ‘step-up’ approach. The initial step is drainage, either percutaneous or transluminal, followed by surgical or endoscopic transluminal debridement only if needed. Debridement is delayed until the acute necrotic collection has become ‘walled-off’.

Conclusion

Outcome following necrotizing pancreatitis has improved substantially in recent years as a result of a shift from early surgical debridement to a staged, minimally invasive, multidisciplinary, step-up approach.

Failure to follow evidence-based best practice guidelines in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis have been established. This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that deviation from guidelines occurs frequently.

METHODS

With institutional review board approval, the outside medical records of patients with severe pancreatitis who were transferred to the study institution during the period from July 2005 to May 2012 were reviewed. Severe pancreatitis was defined using the Atlanta Classification criteria. Records were reviewed with respect to published guidelines defining the appropriate use of imaging, antibiotics and nutritional support.

RESULTS

A total of 538 patients with acute pancreatitis were identified. Of 67 patients with severe acute pancreatitis, 44 (66%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 55 years. Forty-five of 61 (74%) patients for whom relevant data were available were imaged upon admission, but only 15 (31%) patients were imaged appropriately by computerized tomography with i.v. contrast to assess the presence of necrosis or other complications. In patients for whom relevant data were available, prophylactic antibiotics were initiated in the absence of culture data or a specific infectious target in 26 (53%) patients. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was administered to 38 (60%) of 63 patients for whom relevant data were available; only 10 (17%) patients received enteric feeding. No nutritional support was provided to 15 (23%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to best practice guidelines in the treatment of severe pancreatitis is poor. The consistent application of current knowledge might improve outcomes in these patients.

The revised Atlanta classification for acute pancreatitis: a CT imaging guide for radiologists

Accurate diagnosis and description of the various findings in acute pancreatitis is important for treatment. The original Atlanta classification for acute pancreatitis sought to create a uniform system for classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis as well as common language to describe the various events that can occur in acute pancreatitis. The goal was to allow accurate communication between physicians using standardized language so correct treatment options could be used. Since that time, advances in the understanding of acute pancreatitis as well as improvements in both interventions and imaging have led to criticisms of the system and its abandonment by physicians. A 2007 revision of the Atlanta classifications sought to address many of these issues. This article will explain the changes to the Atlanta classification system and provide pictorial examples of the findings in acute pancreatitis as described by the Atlanta classification system.

Lipid profile changes and importance of low serum α-lipoprotein fraction (high-density lipoprotein) in cases with acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common systemic inflammatory disorder of the pancreas. The data related to the lipid changes in patients with AP were insufficient. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the other lipid parameters and the severity of the disease in AP cases.

METHODS

Seventy-five cases admitted to the Gastroenterohepatology Clinic with diagnosis of AP were included in the study. Ranson scores and Glasgow scores were used for prognosis. Lipid parameters were evaluated for the first 24 hours and after clinic and laboratory remission.

RESULTS

The causes of the disease among patients included in the study were as follows: 44 biliary origin (58.7%), 14 alcohol dependent (18.7%), 10 idiopathic (13.3%), 6 hyperlipidemic (8%), and 1 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography dependent (1.3%). Triglyceride (TG) levels of the patients included in the study measured in the first 2 days were significantly higher than TG levels measured after clinic and laboratory remission (P = 0.013). High-density lipoprotein was significantly lower in alcoholic and hypertriglyceridemic AP cases. There was a statistical correlation between HDL and Ranson (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

The low levels of HDL in AP cases during acute attack are associated with severity of the disease.

Comparative evaluation of the modified CT severity index and CT severity index in assessing severity of acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the modified CT severity index (MCTSI) with the CT severity index (CTSI) regarding assessment of severity parameters in acute pancreatitis (AP). Both CT indexes were also compared with the Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) index.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 397 consecutive cases of AP, 196 (49%) patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT (n = 175) or MRI (n = 21) within 1 week of onset of symptoms. Two radiologists independently scored both CT indexes. Severity parameters included mortality, organ failure, pancreatic infection, admission to and length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, need for intervention, and clinical severity of pancreatitis. Discrimination analysis and kappa statistics were performed.

RESULTS

Although for both CT indexes a significant relationship was observed between the score and each severity parameter (p < 0.0001), no significant differences were seen between the CT indexes. Compared with the APACHE II index, both CT indexes more accurately correlated with the need for intervention (CTSI, p = 0.006; MCTSI, p = 0.01) and pancreatic infection (CTSI, p = 0.04; MCTSI, p = 0.06) and more accurately diagnosed clinically severe disease (area under the curve, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82-0.92). Interobserver agreement was excellent for both indexes: for CTSI, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.80-0.90) and for MCTSI, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85-0.95).

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were noted between the CTSI and the MCTSI in evaluating the severity of AP. Compared with APACHE II, both CT indexes more accurately diagnose clinically severe disease and better correlate with the need for intervention and pancreatic infection.

Practice and yield of early CT scan in acute pancreatitis: a Dutch Observational Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Early computed tomography (CT) (within 4 full days after symptom onset) may be performed to distinguish acute pancreatitis (AP) from other intra-abdominal conditions or to identify early pancreatic necrosis. We analyzed practice and yield of early CT in patients with an established clinical diagnosis of AP in a Dutch cohort (EARL study).

METHODS

Multicenter observational study. Etiology, disease course, CT timing, Balthazar CT score, and clinical management were evaluated.

RESULTS

First documented hospital admissions of 166 patients were analyzed. Etiology was biliary (42.8%), unknown (20.5%), alcoholic (18.1%), post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (11.4%), and miscellaneous (7.2%). In 89.2% (148/166), the disease course was mild. Out of 18 patients with severe AP, 11 eventually developed (peri)pancreatic necrosis. At least one CT (range 1-12) was performed in 47% (78/166) of all patients and in 62.8% (49/78) it was acquired within 4 full days after symptom onset. Practice, timing, and Balthazar CT score of early CTs were not significantly different between mild and severe AP. None of the early CTs showed necrosis and no alternative diagnoses were established. In 89.8% (44/49), clinical management was not altered after early CT. In 10.2% (5/49), prophylactic antibiotics were started, but in absence of necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

A CT scan was frequently acquired early in the course of AP, but its yield was low and had no implications with regard to clinical management. It seems prudent that clinicians should be more restrictive in the use of early CT, in particular in mild AP, to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure and to save costs.

Acute pancreatitis: radiologic scores in predicting severity and outcome

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disease which can be mild and self-limiting without complications or severe with prolonged hospitalization, high morbidity, and high mortality. Different radiological scoring systems to predict severity and outcome in AP have been developed since the early 1990s. In the meantime, new insights in the pathophysiology of AP and consequently, therapeutic management of these patients have been introduced. The purpose of this review is therefore (1) to describe the current terminology and new concepts in the pathophysiology, (2) to outline the long existing and newly developed radiological scoring systems in prediction of severity and outcome with their respective advantages and limitations, and (3) to define the role of radiological prognostic scoring systems in the new environment of perception of the last decade. Risk stratification in AP requires scoring systems that can be calculated early in the course of disease which allows time for intervention. For that reason, scoring systems based on necrosis are not useful in severity prediction. The recent developed radiological scoring systems based on signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and organ dysfunction are promising in prediction of severity early after onset of AP.