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

Artificial intelligence models assisting physicians in quantifying pancreatic necrosis in acute pancreatitis

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which can lead to complications such as pancreatic necrosis. The modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) is a widely used tool for assessing the severity of AP, particularly the extent of pancreatic necrosis. The accurate and timely assessment of the necrosis volume is crucial in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes. However, the current diagnostic process relies heavily on the manual interpretation of computed tomography (CT) scans, which can be subjective and prone to variability among clinicians. This study aimed to develop a deep-learning network model to assist clinicians in diagnosing the volume ratio of pancreatic necrosis based on the MCTSI for AP.

Methods

The datasets comprised retrospectively collected plain and contrast-enhanced CT scans from 144 patients (6 with scores of 0 points, 42 with scores of 2 points, and 65 with scores of 4 points) and the National Institutes of Health contrast-enhanced CT scans from 45 patients with scores of 0 points. An improved fully convolutional neural networks for volumetric medical image segmentation (V-Net) model was developed to segment the pancreatic volume (i.e., the whole pancreas, necrotic pancreatic tissue, and non-necrotic pancreatic tissue) and to quantify the split volume ratios. The improved strategy included three stages of body up- and down-sampling adapted to the task of segmentation in AP, and the selection of objects, loss function, and smoothing coefficients. The model interpretations were compared with those of clinicians with different levels of experience. The reference standard was manually segmented by a pancreatic radiologist. Accuracy, macro recall, and macro specificity were employed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of the model and the clinicians.

Results

In total, 144 patients (mean age: 44±13 years; 40 females, 104 males) were included in the study. Optimal training results were obtained using the necrotic pancreatic tissue and whole pancreas as the input objects, and combining dice loss and 500 smoothing coefficients as the loss function for training. The dice coefficient for the whole pancreas was 0.811 and that for the necrotic pancreatic tissue was 0.761. The performance of the artificial intelligence model and clinicians were compared. The accuracy, macro recall, and macro specificity of the improved V-net were 0.854, 0.850 and 0.923, respectively, which were all significantly higher than those of the senior and junior clinicians (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Our proposed model could improve the effectiveness of clinicians in diagnosing pancreatic necrosis volume ratios in clinical settings.

Comparative analysis of computed tomography severity indices in predicting the severity and clinical outcome in patients with acute pancreatitis

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) has unpredictable severity. Its management is based on initial assessment of disease severity. It ranges from mild interstitial to severe necrotic form; the latter is associated with poor prognosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen is the gold standard in early detection of pancreatic necrosis and in assessing the severity of AP. Two CT grading systems exist to assess the severity of AP: CT severity Index (CSI) and modified CSI (MCSI). This study compares the usefulness of these two systems in predicting the severity and clinical outcome in AP in comparison with Ranson's criteria and clinical outcome parameters. Methods: This is a prospective hospital-based screening study of 80 patients aged >12 years with clinical diagnosis of AP who underwent contrast-enhanced CT study of the abdomen. Comparative analysis between MCSI and CSI with Ranson's criteria and clinical outcome parameters was assessed by Chi-Squared test. Results: The accuracy of CSI and MCSI in predicting the requirement of critical care, superadded infection, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and requirement of intervention were 73.0%, 64.5%, 69.8% 60.9% and 77.2%, 76.0%, 74.4% & 56.6% respectively. Area under the curve for MCSI score was significantly higher (AUC: 0.861; 95% CI: 0.736-0.986) than CSI score (AUC:0.815;95% CI:0.749-0.941). MCSI and CSI showed significant correlation with Ranson's criteria; however, MCSI correlation was better (r:0.53; p<0.01) than CSI (r:0.35;p:0.04). Conclusion: CSI and MCSI are better predictors of severity, clinical outcome and mortality compared with Ranson's criteria, with MCSI being more accurate and better predictor than CSI. The accuracy of MCSI is better than CSI for prediction of requirement of critical care, development of superadded infection and development of MODS in AP. However, CSI and MCSI have low accuracy in predicting intervention in AP.

The risk of developing splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis increases 3 days after symptom onset: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic vein thrombosis is a complication of acute pancreatitis (AP) and is likely often underdiagnosed.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to understand the time course and risk factors of splanchnic vein thrombosis in the early phase of AP.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration CRD42022367578). Inclusion criteria were appropriate imaging techniques in adult AP patients, studies that reported splanchnic vein thrombosis data from the early phase, and reliable information on the timing of imaging in relation to the onset of pancreatitis symptoms or hospital admission. The proportion of patients with thrombosis with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated using random-effects meta-analyses, and multiple subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Data from 1951 patients from 14 studies were analyzed. The proportion of patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis within 12 days after symptom onset was 0.13 (CI 0.07-0.23). The occurrence was lowest at 0.06 (CI 0.03-0.1) between 0 and 3 days after symptom onset, and increased fourfold to 0.23 (CI 0.16-0.31) between 3 and 11 days. On hospital admission, the proportion of patients affected was 0.12 (CI 0.02-0.49); it was 0.17 (CI 0.03-0.58) 1-5 days after admission. The prevalence in mild, moderate, and severe AP was 0.15 (CI 0.05-0.36), 0.26 (CI 0.15-0.43), and 0.27 (CI 0.17-0.4), respectively. Alcoholic etiology (0.31, CI 0.13-0.58) and pancreatic necrosis (0.55, CI 0.29-0.78, necrosis above 30%) correlated with increased SVT prevalence.

CONCLUSION

The risk of developing splanchnic vein thrombosis is significant in the early stages of AP and may affect up to a quarter of patients. Alcoholic etiology, pancreatic necrosis, and severity may increase the prevalence of splanchnic vein thrombosis.

Early short-term abdominal paracentesis drainage in moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis with pelvic ascites

BACKGROUND

We sought to evaluate the effect of early short-term abdominal paracentesis drainage (APD) in moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP/SAP) with pelvic ascites.

METHODS

A total of 135 MSAP/SAP patients with early pelvic ascites were divided into the Short-term APD group (57 patients) and the Non-APD group (78 patients). The effects, complications, and prognosis of short-term APD patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics in the two groups were similar. The target days of intra-abdominal hypertension relief, half-dose enteral nutrition, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit stay (in days) and total hospitalization (also in days) were all lower in the Short-term APD group than in the Non-APD group (P = 0.002, 0.009, 0.004, 0.006 and 0.019), while the white blood cell count and serum C-reaction protein level decreased significantly more quickly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), and the prevalence of intra-abdominal infection was also significantly lower (P = 0.014) in the former than the latter. No complications occurred in early APD patients, and the microbial cultures of pelvic ascites were all negative. In addition, patients with early APD presented fewer cases of residual wall-off necrosis or fluid collection (P = 0.008) at discharge and had a lower incidence of rehospitalization and percutaneous catheter drainage and/or necrosectomy (P = 0.017 and 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

For MSAP/SAP patients with pelvic ascites, the early short-term APD is feasible and safe to perform, and it can decrease clinical symptoms, reduce intra-abdominal infection and shorten the hospital stay. It may also reduce the incidence of rehospitalization and surgical intervention.

Incidence and prognostic role of pleural effusion in patients with acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pleural effusion (PE) is reported as a common complication in acute pancreatitis (AP), while the incidence of PE in AP varies widely among studies, and the association between PE and mortality is not clear. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the pooled incidence of PE in patients with AP and to evaluate the influence of PE on mortality through a meta-analysis.

METHOD

Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, and OVID) were searched thoroughly for relevant studies. Data were extracted, and Stata SE 16.0 software was applied to compute the pooled incidence of PE and assess the association between PE and mortality, taking the risk ratio (RR) as the effect size.

RESULTS

Thirty-five articles involving 7,675 patients with AP were eventually included in this meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of PE was 34% (95% CI: 28%-39%), with significant heterogeneity among studies (I2=96.7%). Further analysis revealed that the pooled incidence of unilateral and small PE occupied 49% (95% CI: 21%-77%) and 59% (95% CI: 38%-81%) of AP patients complicated by PE, respectively. The subgroup analysis revealed that "region" and "examination method" may contribute to heterogeneity. PE may be associated with increased mortality in AP patients (RR 3.99, 95% CI: 1.73-9.2).

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that PE is a common complication with high pooled incidence and that PE may be associated with increased mortality in AP patients. More studies should be performed to validate our findings.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a glandular organ that is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive and endocrine systems, and therefore, it affects the condition of the entire body. Consequently, it is important to effectively diagnose and treat diseases of this organ. According to clinicians, pancreatitis—a common disease affecting the pancreas—is one of the most complicated and demanding diseases of the abdomen. The classification of pancreatitis is based on clinical, morphologic, and histologic criteria. Medical doctors distinguish, inter alia, acute pancreatitis (AP), the most common causes of which are gallstone migration and alcohol abuse. Effective diagnostic methods and the correct assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis determine the selection of an appropriate treatment strategy and the prediction of the clinical course of the disease, thus preventing life-threatening complications and organ dysfunction or failure. This review collects and organizes recommendations and guidelines for the management of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis.

Management of severe acute pancreatitis in 2019

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are frequent complications in severe acute pancreatitis that are the result of damage to the pancreas to include but not limited to trauma, surgery, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, infections, medications, gallstones, metabolic disorders, and premalignant or malignant conditions. The majority of these collections resolve spontaneously; however, if the collection is infected or causes symptoms to include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and tachycardia, drainage is indicated. Drainage of PFCs can be accomplished surgically, percutaneously, or endoscopically and should be approached in a multidisciplinary fashion for best overall patient care and outcomes. Before the introduction of endoscopic procedures, surgical and percutaneous drainage was the preferred modality. Today a minimally-invasive "step-up" approach is generally accepted depending upon the specific characteristics of the PFC and clinical presentation. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided PFC drainage is favored due to high success rates, shorter hospital stays, and lower cost. Direct debridement of walled-off pancreatitis can now be performed endoscopically with higher success rates with larger caliber fully covered metal stents. At large, the field of endoscopic techniques has evolved, and more specifically, the management of PFCs continues to evolve with increasing experience and with the advent of new stents and accessories, leading to increased efficacy with less adverse events.

Morphologic Severity of Acute Pancreatitis on Imaging Is Independently Associated with Opioid Dose Requirements in Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have evaluated clinical characteristics associated with opioid dose requirements in hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) but did not incorporate morphologic findings on CT imaging.

AIMS

We sought to determine whether morphologic severity on imaging is independently associated with opioid dose requirements in AP.

METHODS

Adult inpatients with a diagnosis of AP from 2006 to 2017 were reviewed. The highest modified CT severity index (MCTSI) score and the daily oral morphine equivalent (OME) for each patient over the first 7 days of hospitalization were used to grade the morphologic severity of AP and calculate mean OME per day(s) of treatment (MOME), respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of MOME with MCSTI.

RESULTS

There were 249 patients with AP, of whom 196 underwent contrast-enhanced CT. The mean age was 46 ± 13.6 years, 57.9% were male, and 60% were black. The mean MOME for the patient cohort was 60 ± 52.8 mg/day. MCTSI (β = 3.5 [95% CI 0.3, 6.7], p = 0.03), early hemoconcentration (β = 21 [95% CI 4.6, 39], p = 0.01) and first episode of AP (β =  - 17 [95% CI - 32, - 2.7], p = 0.027) were independently associated with MOME. Among the 19 patients undergoing ≥ 2 CT scans, no significant differences in MOME were seen between those whose MCTSI score increased (n = 12) versus decreased/remained the same (n = 7).

CONCLUSION

The morphologic severity of AP positively correlated with opioid dose requirements. No difference in opioid dose requirements were seen between those who did versus those who did not experience changes in their morphologic severity.

Inpatient Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Analysis

Objectives

This study explores the characteristics and outcomes, including inpatient mortality, length of stay, and pancreatitis complications in patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis (AP) with coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Patients hospitalized with AP from the National Inpatient Sample from 2014 were selected. Patient characteristics and outcomes of AP were compared between the groups with and without SLE. Age, sex, race, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and etiologies of pancreatitis were measured. The outcomes of interest were inpatient mortality, length of stay, and complications, including respiratory failure, acute renal failure, myocardial infarction, hypotensive shock, sepsis, stroke, and ileus. Chi-squared tests and independent t-tests were used to compare proportions and means, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if SLE is an independent predictor for the outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, race, ECI, and etiologies of pancreatitis.

Results

Among 434,280 AP patients identified in the study, 3,015 patients had SLE. Among patients hospitalized with AP, those with SLE were younger, more likely to be female, more likely to be non-White, had higher ECI, and stayed longer in the hospital. Patients without SLE were more likely to have a history of cholelithiasis, alcohol abuse, and hypertriglyceridemia. AP patients presenting with SLE were at higher risk for respiratory failure, acute renal failure, hypotensive shock, stroke, and sepsis. Higher inpatient mortality was also associated with coexisting SLE.

Conclusions

Patients admitted for AP with SLE have worse outcomes compared to those without SLE. Understanding the potential effects of SLE on AP and optimizing patient care in this population accordingly may improve the quality of care and outcomes.

Role of multi-detector computed tomography in severity assessment of cases of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The mortality and morbidity of acute pancreatitis is high, especially in the severe variant. The present study was performed to study the role of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in grading the severity of acute pancreatitis and to compare the scoring system with the revised Atlanta classification (RAC) and with the outcomes of acute pancreatitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-centre cross-sectional observational study was conducted between November 2017 and March 2019 with a sample size of 152 patients. Patients underwent a 128-slice contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) of the whole abdomen. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated for all cases. Patients were followed until discharge or death and the outcomes such as hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, evidence of organ failure, infection, need for intervention and death were tested with the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) and RAC.

RESULTS

Males constituted the majority of the study population (2.4:1). As per MCTSI, 25 patients (16.5%) had mild pancreatitis, 49 (32.2%) had moderately severe pancreatitis and 78 (51.3%) had severe acute pancreatitis. There was a good concordance between MCTSI and RAC. There was a statistically significant association of MCTSI and RAC with hospital stay, need for ICU stay, organ failure and requirement for intervention; however, there was no statistically significant association with infectious complications and mortality.

CONCLUSION

The MDCT is a very useful investigation in the diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis. The threshold to opt for MDCT imaging in acute pancreatitis should be low for performing the timely interventions required in acute pancreatitis.

Potential role of imaging for assessing acute pancreatitis-induced acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of acute pancreatitis (AP) that is associated with increased mortality. Conventional assessment of AKI is based on changes in serum creatinine concentration and urinary output. However, these examinations have limited accuracy and sensitivity for the diagnosis of early-stage AKI. This review summarizes current evidence on the use of advanced imaging approaches and artificial intelligence (AI) for the early prediction and diagnosis of AKI in patients with AP. CT scores, CT post-processing technology, Doppler ultrasound, and AI technology provide increasingly valuable information for the diagnosis of AP-induced AKI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also has potential for the evaluation of AP-induced AKI. For the accurate diagnosis of early-stage AP-induced AKI, more studies are needed that use these new techniques and that use AI in combination with advanced imaging technologies.

Clinical and Severity Profile of Acute Pancreatitis in a Hospital for Low Socioeconomic Strata

INTRODUCTION

There is an upsurge in the incidence of acute pancreatitis over the last few decades; although the case fatality rate has remained unchanged. This may either be due to increased incidence of gallstone disease or improvement in diagnostic modalities. It is a potentially life threatening disease with varying severity of presentation.

METHODS

This observational analytical study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery in our hospital for a period of one year. All patients of acute pancreatitis were included in the study as per inclusion & exclusion criteria.

OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS

Total 62 Patients were included in the study. Gall stones disease is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. The mean age of the patients in the study was 39 years. 28 females and 34 male patients were present. 22 patients of the patients had severe disease as per Atlanta classification. Four out of these 22 severe pancreatitis patients expired. All patients in the severe pancreatitis group had mild to life threatening complications and pleural effusion was the most common followed by necrosis. There was notable difference in terms of hospital stay between mild group and severe group of AP.

CONCLUSION

The clinician should be aware that acute pancreatitis can occur in any age group and gender due to different etiology. The severity of AP does not depend on etiology, age or gender and it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. SAP can be diagnosed on clinicoradiological basis and appropriate management can be done in those patients.

Emergency room imaging in patients with genitourinary cancers: analysis of the spectrum of CT findings and their relation to patient outcomes

PURPOSE

To assess the spectrum of computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with genitourinary cancers visiting the emergency room (ER) and evaluate the relationship between CT findings and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with genitourinary cancers undergoing CT during an ER visit at a tertiary cancer center during a 20-month period. CTs were considered positive if there were findings relevant to the presenting complaint(s). Demographic/clinical variables were recorded. OS was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression (HR) was used to evaluate OS predictors.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-seven patients (243 visits) were included. The most common primary tumors were prostate (121 [49.8%]), bladder/urothelial (78 [32.1%]), and renal (69 [28.4%]). Common presenting complaints were abdominal pain (67 [27.6%]), respiratory symptoms (49 [20.2%]), neurological signs (37 [15.2%]), and fever (34 [14.0%]). CT findings were positive in 172 patients (70.8%) and included new/increased metastases (21.4% [52/243]), fluid collections (7.4% [18/243]), urinary tract infection/inflammation (6.2% [15/243]), enteritis/colitis (5.3% [13/243]), and pneumonia (4.9% [12/243]). A positive ER CT was associated with patient admission (p = 0.01). At multivariate analysis, independently predictive factors of shorter survival were positive ER CT (HR = 2.09 [95% CI 1.16-3.76, p = 0.01), hospital admission (HR = 2.17 [95% CI 1.38-3.41], p < 0.01), and recent systemic treatment (HR = 2.10 [95% CI 1.32-3.35], p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

When CT was performed, it was able to identify a structural cause for the presenting complaint in the majority of patients with genitourinary cancers attending the ER. A positive ER CT was associated with hospital admission and poorer overall survival.

Computed Tomography Severity Index vs. Other Indices in the Prediction of Severity and Mortality in Acute Pancreatitis: A Predictive Accuracy Meta-analysis

Background: The management of the moderate and severe forms of acute pancreatitis (AP) with necrosis and multiorgan failure remains a challenge. To predict the severity and mortality of AP multiple clinical, laboratory-, and imaging-based scoring systems are available. Aim: To investigate, if the computed tomography severity index (CTSI) can predict the outcomes of AP better than other scoring systems. Methods: A systematic search was performed in three databases: Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible records provided data from consecutive AP cases and used CTSI or modified CTSI (mCTSI) alone or in combination with other prognostic scores [Ranson, bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP), Acute Physiology, and Chronic Health Examination II (APACHE II), C-reactive protein (CRP)] for the evaluation of severity or mortality of AP. Area under the curves (AUCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and aggregated with STATA 14 software using the metandi module. Results: Altogether, 30 studies were included in our meta-analysis, which contained the data of 5,988 AP cases. The pooled AUC for the prediction of mortality was 0.79 (CI 0.73-0.86) for CTSI; 0.87 (CI 0.83-0.90) for BISAP; 0.80 (CI 0.72-0.89) for mCTSI; 0.73 (CI 0.66-0.81) for CRP level; 0.87 (CI 0.81-0.92) for the Ranson score; and 0.91 (CI 0.88-0.93) for the APACHE II score. The APACHE II scoring system had significantly higher predictive value for mortality than CTSI and CRP (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), while the predictive value of CTSI was not statistically different from that of BISAP, mCTSI, CRP, or Ranson criteria. The AUC for the prediction of severity of AP were 0.80 (CI 0.76-0.85) for CTSI; 0.79, (CI 0.72-0.86) for BISAP; 0.83 (CI 0.75-0.91) for mCTSI; 0.73 (CI 0.64-0.83) for CRP level; 0.81 (CI 0.75-0.87) for Ranson score and 0.80 (CI 0.77-0.83) for APACHE II score. Regarding severity, all tools performed equally. Conclusion: Though APACHE II is the most accurate predictor of mortality, CTSI is a good predictor of both mortality and AP severity. When the CT scan has been performed, CTSI is an easily calculable and informative tool, which should be used more often in routine clinical practice.

Clinico-radiological comparison and short-term prognosis of single acute pancreatitis and recurrent acute pancreatitis including pancreatic volumetry

PURPOSE

The necrosis-fibrosis hypothesis describes a continuum between single attacks of acute pancreatitis (SAP), recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) with endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. For prevention purposes we evaluated clinico-radiological parameters and pancreatic volumetry to compare SAP and RAP and provide prognostic relevance on short-term mortality, need for intervention and the hospitalization duration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 225 consecutive patients (150 males, range 19-97years) with acute pancreatitis (74%SAP, 26%RAP) according to the revised Atlanta classification. All patients received an intravenous contrast-enhanced CT after a median time of 5 (IQR 5-7) days after onset of symptoms. Two experienced observers rated the severity of AP by 3 CT scores (CTSI, mCTSI, EPIC). Moreover, total pancreatic volumes and additional parenchymal necrosis volumes were assessed, when appropriate. Clinical parameters were etiology of AP, lipase on admission, CRP 48 hours after admission (CRP48), and the presence of organ dysfunction, assessed by the modified Marshall score. The modified Marshall score included systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, and the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) and was assessed on admission and 48 hours after admission to find patients with persistent organ failure. Outcome parameters were total hospitalization duration, short-term mortality and need for intervention.

RESULTS

Lipase, CRP48, etiology of AP, EPIC, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and the presence of a pleural effusion differed significantly in both groups (p<0.05). In 109 patients with interstitial edematous AP, the total pancreatic volume was significantly smaller in patients with RAP compared to those with SAP (69±35cm3; (RAP) vs 106±45cm3; (SAP), p<0.001). All outcome parameters including the mortality rates (SAP vs. RAP: 15% vs. 7%) were comparable in both groups (p>0.05). In the necrotizing RAP group, only the necrotic volume correlated significantly with total hospitalization time (r = 0.72, p<0.001), whereas the systolic blood pressure was the only, but weak predictor for short-term mortality (β-coefficient: -0.05, p = 0.03) and the need for intervention (β-coefficient: -0.02, p = 0.048) in the total RAP group. In patients with SAP, the modified Marshall score was the strongest predictor of short-term mortality, followed by the mCTSI on multivariate logistic regression (Marshall score: β-coefficient: 1.79, p<0.001; mCTSI: β-coefficient: 0.40, p<0.001). CTSI was the best predictor for required intervention in necrotizing SAP (β-coefficient: 0.46, p<0.001), followed by the volume of intrapancreatic necrosis (β-coefficient: 0.17, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Total pancreatic volume differed significantly between interstitial RAP and SAP and intrapancreatic necrosis volume revealed prognostic value for the total hospitalization duration in necrotizing RAP. Although all outcome parameters were comparable between SAP and RAP, only systolic blood pressure and pancreatic volumetry were prognostic in RAP. In SAP, only the modified Marshall score and mCTSI revealed prognostic value for short-term mortality, whereas CTSI was predictive for the need for intervention.

TLR4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile and TLR2 intron 2 microsatellite gene polymorphism in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis: Does it cause the disease?

OBJECTIVES

There has been coverage of Toll-like receptor 4 and Toll-like receptor 2 gene polymorphisms in inflammatory episodes in a number of studies. In view of the inflammatory nature of acute pancreatitis, we aimed to determine the predictive value of mutations in Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile of the Toll-like receptor 4 gene, and the intron 2 microsatellite polymorphism of the Toll-like receptor 2 gene on the occurrence of acute biliary pancreatitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 86 patients for the Toll-like receptor 4 Thr399Ile polymorphism, 100 patients for the Toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly polymorphism with acute biliary pancreatitis, and 101 healthy volunteers. At the same time, 93 patients and 92 healthy volunteers were included in the study to research the Toll-like receptor 2 intron 2 microsatellite polymorphism. Genotypes were determined using the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR products and by an allele-specific PCR.

RESULTS

The Toll-like receptor 4 Thr399Ile homozygotes mutant variants (p=0.005) and Toll-like receptor 2 MM genotype (p<0.001) were detected with a significantly higher frequency in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis than in the healthy blood donors.

CONCLUSION

The Toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms and the Toll-like receptor 2 intron 2 microsatellite polymorphism are statistically associated with ABP.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced CT with diffusion -weighted MRI in the Evaluation of patients with acute biliary pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced computed tomography with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of patients with acute biliary pancreatitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-three patients diagnosed with acute biliary pancreatitis, between February 2012 and July 2015, were evaluated using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography to explain the elevation of cholestasis enzymes and bilirubin levels at "stanbul University. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging was applied within 8 h following first evaluation. Demographic data, severity of pancreatitis, pancreatic apparent diffusion coefficient, and computed tomography severity index were compared. The significance of the results was evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21.0 program.

RESULTS

Median age was 53.39 (22-90) years in these 53 patients (26 were males and 27 were females). The mean Ranson criterion was 0.96 (0-4) and mean hospitalization duration was 16.02 (3-100) days. Twenty-eight patients were evaluated to have mild acute pancreatitis, whereas 16 were moderately severe and nine were severe based on the Revised Atlanta Classification. Mild pancreatitis score was 0.89, moderately severe pancreatitis score was 3.50, and severe pancreatitis score was 5.78 using the Balthazar score. Elevated C-reactive protein levels were not correlated with necrosis and the clinical severity score (p>0.05). There was no significant difference among the Balthazar score, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography-apparent diffusion coefficient score, and Revised Atlanta score in the evaluation of the severity of pancreatitis when the two techniques were compared. A statistically insignificant difference was found between the Balthazar score and magnetic resonance imaging results of clinically confirmed necrosis and non-necrosis patients.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging might be better than contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis as it avoids radiation exposure as well as the development of renal failure and pancreatitis aggravation due to the use of contrast for computed tomography. These results need to be confirmed with randomized prospective controlled studies.

A comparison of APACHE II, BISAP, Ranson's score and modified CTSI in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis based on the 2012 revised Atlanta Classification

Objective

Our aim was to prospectively compare the Accuracy of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), Ranson's score and modified Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis based on Atlanta 2012 definitions in a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

Methods

Fifty patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to our hospital during the period of March 2015 to September 2016 were included in the study. APACHE II, BISAP and Ranson's score were calculated for all the cases. Modified CTSI was also determined based on a pancreatic protocol contrast enhanced computerized tomography (CT). Optimal cut-offs for these scoring systems and the area under the curve (AUC) were evaluated based on the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and these scoring systems were compared prospectively.

Results

Of the 50 cases, 14 were graded as severe acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic necrosis was present in 15 patients, while 14 developed persistent organ failure and 14 needed intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The AUC for modified CTSI was consistently the highest for predicting severe acute pancreatitis (0.919), pancreatic necrosis (0.993), organ failure (0.893) and ICU admission (0.993). APACHE II was the second most accurate in predicting severe acute pancreatitis (AUC 0.834) and organ failure (0.831). APACHE II had a high sensitivity for predicting pancreatic necrosis (93.33%), organ failure (92.86%) and ICU admission (92.31%), and also had a high negative predictive value for predicting pancreatic necrosis (96.15%), organ failure (96.15%) and ICU admission (95.83%).

Conclusion

APACHE II is a useful prognostic scoring system for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis and can be a crucial aid in determining the group of patients that have a high chance of need for tertiary care during the course of their illness and therefore need early resuscitation and prompt referral, especially in resource-limited developing countries.

IL-8 gene polymorphism in acute biliary and non biliary pancreatitis: probable cause of high level parameters?

Backgrounds/Aims

Inflammatory mediators of the innate immune response play fundamental roles in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. The correlation between interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene polymorphism with types of acute pancreatitis and severity of pancreatitis, was evaluated in this study.

Methods

According to the diagnostic criteria, 176 patients with acute pancreatitis were grouped into biliary (n=83) and nonbiliary pancreatitis (n=93). Healthy blood donors (n=100) served as controls. Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total and direct bilirubin, amylase, lypase, white blood cell count and c-reactive protein levels were evaluated to correlate with IL-8 rs4073 (-251T/A) polymorphism, which was analyzed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction method with melting point analysis.

Results

The IL-8 AA genotype was detected with a significantly higher frequency among the patients with acute biliary pancreatitis having higher alanine transaminase levels than the median range. Homozygote alleles were significantly higher among patients with acute biliary pancreatitis having amylase levels higher than the median range.

Conclusions

Determination of the frequency of IL-8 polymorphism in acute pancreatitis is informative and provides further evidence concerning the role of IL-8 in laboratory tests.

The ability of emergency physicians to diagnose and score acute pancreatitis on computed tomography

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to determine the ability of emergency physicians' (EP) interpreting contrast-enhanced computed tomographies (CECTs) performed in patients diagnosed or suspected acute pancreatitis (AP), using the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) scoring system.

METHODS

This study was conducted in Training and Research Hospital's Emergency Department. From January 1, 2013 to April 30, 2016, patients whom performed CECT within 24 h of admission with diagnosis or suspicion of AP were reviewed retrospectively. One hundred eighteen patients were included in the study. Three-third-year EPs received education about CECT interpretation and MCTSI criteria. Each EP interpreted CECTs in a blinded manner. The EPs' performance of determining the CECTs with or without AP and scoring the CECTs with CTSI scoring system was investigated.

RESULTS

The agreement (weighted kappa) between the EPs and the radiologists for determining CECTs positive for AP was 0.932 (p < 0.001), 0.864 (p < 0.001) and 0.949 (p < 0.001) for EP1, EP2 and EP3, respectively. The agreement for MCTSI scores was 0.649 (p < 0.001), 0.588 (p < 0.001) and 0.734 (p < 0.001). These values showed a significant relationship between the EPs and radiologists.

CONCLUSIONS

EPs can diagnose the AP on CECTs and score CECTs with MCTSI scoring system correctly.

CT Evaluation of Acute Pancreatitis and its Prognostic Correlation with CT Severity Index

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatitis is one of most complex and clinically challenging of all abdominal disorders. USG and abdominal CT are the most commonly used diagnostic imaging modalities for the evaluation of pancreas. Computed Tomography (CT) is highly accurate and sensitive than USG in both diagnosing as well as demonstrating the extent. Early assessment of the cause and severity of acute pancreatitis is of utmost importance for prompt treatment and close monitoring of patient with severe disease. CT is the imaging method of choice for assessing the extent of acute pancreatitis and for evaluating complications.

AIM

To assess prognostic correlation and clinical outcome of acute pancreatitis on the basis of CT severity index.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study of 50 cases was carried out in the Department of Radio Diagnosis, with complaint suggestive of acute pancreatitis on the basis of clinical/laboratory/ultrasonography findings were evaluated in Siemens somatom 40 slice CT. The severity of pancreatitis was scored using CT severity index, modified severity index and revised Atlanta classification and classified into mild, moderate, severe categories. Clinical follow-up of the patients was done in terms of the following parameters: Length of hospital stay, Need for surgery or percutaneous intervention, Evidence of infection in any organ system, Occurrence of organ failure- respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and haematological system, death. The clinical outcome was compared with the currently accepted Balthazar's CTSI and Modified Mortele's CTSI and revised Atlanta classification in all the cases.

RESULTS

Gall stone disease was most common aetiological factor seen in 40% cases, it was more common in females than males. Alcohol was second most common aetiological factor seen in 38% cases and was noted only in males. Pleural effusion was the most common extra-pancreatic complication seen in 46% cases. Balthazar grade C was the most common (40%) followed by grade D and E (25% each). Acute peri-pancreatic collection was the most common findings seen in 72% cases. Majority of the cases (42%) were categorized as mild pancreatitis according Balthazar CTSI score. Majority of the cases (44%) were categorized as severe pancreatitis according modified CTSI. Majority of the cases were categorized as mild pancreatitis according revised Atlanta classification. Organ system failure, death were more seen in severe grade in modified CTSI and revised Atlanta classification.

CONCLUSION

Modified CT severity index makes the score easier to calculate and reduces the inter-observer variation. Scores obtained with the modified Mortele index, show a stronger statistical correlation for all clinical outcome parameters in all the patients better than the Balthazar index.