ACUTE PANCREATITIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory disease that is generally benign but has the potential to cause morbidity and mortality in up to 20% of cases. The main causes include alcohol consumption, cholelithiasis, hypertriglyceridemia, post-ERCP, drugs, and trauma. Its symptomatology is variable, primarily characterized by abdominal pain. The diagnosis of AP is established through clinical evaluation, measurement of serum amylase and lipase levels, and characteristic findings in abdominal imaging. Treatment focuses on clinical support, analgesia, symptom control, early refeeding, and proper management of systemic complications.