[The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis (author's transl)].

An acute pancreatitis is possible, both in a hitherto healthy organ (mainly together with gallstones) and in a chronically danaged gland (maily together with alcoholism). Toxic damage of the pancreas is found in hypercalcemic states and with drugs. It is unknown what directly induces acute inflammation in the pancreas. The pathophysiological consequences of acute pancreatitis are mainly volume deficiency and shock, renal failure, pulmonary insufficiency, disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism and blood clotting. Prognosis of acute pancreatitis is difficult to evaluate. Clinical findings and laboratory parameters are utilized together to judge the presumable course of the disease.