Radiological signs of acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is commonly presented as a confusing and challenging diagnostic problem. This article is intended to show the increasingly important contribution radiology plays in the establishment of a correct initial diagnosis as well as in recognizing the serious complications of acute pancreatitis. A short discussion of the etiology and pathophysiology of pancreatitis is essential in understanding the mechanism of production of the X-ray findings. The most important recently published papers on this topic are reviewed together with a personal evaluation of the most significant and reliable radiographic changes. Statistical data, indications, and contraindications as well as the limitations of our radiographic procedures are discussed.