Acute Pancreatitis (A Clinical Case)

ntroduction. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis poses no significant difficulties. Nonetheless, accurately predicting the potential severity of the disease during its early stages remains a challenge with existing diagnostic methods. Delayed diagnosis of pancreatic necrosis and the late initiation of intensive therapy contribute to a more severe disease course.

Materials and methods. The paper presents a case of recurrent choledocholithiasis as a complicating factor in acute biliary pancreatitis in a 58-year-old woman. A standardized technique of endoscopic ultrasound allowed for the timely identification of signs indicative of developing pancreatic necrosis, enabling the prevention of its progression through papillary sphincterotomy, choledocholithotripsy, and pancreatic stenting.

Results and discussion. Endosonographic features of pancreatic necrosis are visualizable in the early stages of acute pancreatitis. Changes such as Wirsung duct dilation and hypoechoic lesions in the pancreatic parenchyma provide grounds for pancreatic duct stenting with an expected clinical efficacy. The performance of endoscopic retrograde interventions in acute pancreatitis, including pancreatic stenting in particular, can halt the progression of pancreatic necrosis and contribute to a more rapid clinical and laboratory recovery.

Conclusion. The presented case demonstrates the high informativeness and effectiveness of endoscopic methods in the early diagnosis and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis.

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