ABSTRACT
The CT appearance of acute pancreatitis usually takes two forms: diffuse glandular enlargement or a normalsized gland with a peripancreatic effusion (as in this case). Focal pancreatitis (case 8.4) is less common. The gland can be normal-appearing in mild pancreatitis. The staging system reported by Balthazar and colleagues can be helpful to estimate the severity of disease. Grade A refers to a normal-appearing pancreas. Progressively increasing grades of severe pancreatitis are B) focal or diffuse enlargement, C) intrinsic pancreatic abnormality with inflammatory changes in the peripancreatic tissues, D) a fluid collection or phlegmon, and E) two or more large phlegmonous collections or peripancreatic gas.
