[Transabdominal ultrasound examination, contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination and endoscopic ultrasound scanning in the determination of the aetiology and the degree of severity in acute pancreatitis].

A transabdominal ultrasound examination is part of the standard work-up for patients with acute pancreatitis. Transabdominal ultrasound examination displays a high sensitivity for the detection of gallbladder stones. With the recent introduction of contrast enhancement in ultrasound it has become possible to determine the severity of acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound has shown a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of stones in the common bile duct and is an important peroperative surgical tool in endoscopic transgastric necrosectomi as well.