Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can range from mild illness to a severe condition with complications.
When to get help quickly: Severe ongoing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever, breathing difficulty, faintness, or yellowing of the eyes can all mean urgent medical review is needed.
Common symptoms
Typical symptoms include upper abdominal pain that may go through to the back, nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, and feeling very unwell.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when the cause is unclear, when gallstones are suspected, when symptoms are severe, or when doctors need to look for fluid collections, necrosis, or blockage.
What radiology does
Ultrasound and CT can help evaluate gallstones, pancreatic swelling, fluid collections, and complications in selected patients.
What usually happens next
Management often includes fluids, pain control, treating the cause, and monitoring for complications.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- CT PancreasA CT Pancreas scan, often called a pancreatic protocol CT, is a targeted imaging test that focuses heavily on your pancreas and the surrounding digestive structures.
- CT AbdomenA CT Abdomen scan uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs including the liver, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, intestines, and blood vessels.
- MRCP ScanAn MRCP is an MRI scan designed to focus on the complex network of tubes carrying digestive fluids in your abdomen. It is very good for investigating unexplained jaundice, abdominal pain, or suspected gallstones.