Ultrasound predictors of severe acute pancreatitis

Abstract

The objective of our study was to disclosed efficiency of  ultrasound for the  prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).Material and Methods. Our study included 322 hospitalized patients with AP. We studied and compare the efficacy of clinical scoring systems and radiologic data.Results. Ultrasound findings showed sensitivity (Se) 72,9%, and specificity (Sp) 89,3% compared with the clinical scoring systems (Se from 27,1% to 48,6%, Sp from 80,3% to 100%, AUC from 0,538 to 0,645) and computed tomography (Se 85,4%, Sp 89,5%). Ultrasound showed a trend of a higher AUC in the prediction of severe AP (0.811) compared with the clinical scoring systems (0,538 до 0,645) and computed tomography (AUC 0,854).Conclusions. Abdominal ultrasound examination is a useful method for early prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis.