[X-ray computed tomography in the surveillance of the course of acute pancreatitis. Values of a new classification of inflammatory lesions].

378 tomodensitometric investigations were performed in cases of acute pancreatitis. The evolution of inflammatory lesions were analyzed with special attention to tissue aggressive inflammation in order to recognize early signs of gravity on CAT scans. Pancreatic lesions less than 15 mm in diameter called "hypodense islets-1" are compatible with oedematous lesions while lesions greater than 15 mm in diameter ("hypodense islets-2") are characteristic of developing necrosis. Tissue aggressive inflammatory lesions were classified in five grades retrospectively and showed that the incidence of abcesses was greater in grade II (76.5%) than in grade I lesions (11.75%).