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Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is a prevalent emergency encountered in clinical practice, presenting with varying degrees of severity.[1,2] Emphysematous pancreatitis (EP), a rare complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, is characterized by the presence of gas within or surrounding the pancreas.[1,2] This condition is associated with a significantly poor prognosis, making early radiological assessment critical for influencing patient outcomes. Computed tomography (CT) is the primary modality for diagnosing emphysematous pancreatitis, revealing pancreatic parenchymal necrosis as areas of non-enhancement, along with intra- or peripancreatic fluid collections. CT findings typically include single or multiple foci of gas in the pancreatic bed, as well as an assessment of the degree of inflammatory changes and potential complications associated with this severe form of necrotizing pancreatitis.[2]


The objective of this case report is to present a classic case of emphysematous pancreatitis, an uncommon manifestation of acute pancreatitis. Early diagnosis of emphysematous pancreatitis is crucial, as it represents a potentially fatal subtype of severe necrotizing pancreatitis. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for this condition to ensure timely intervention and improve patient outcomes.[2]

Article Details

How to Cite
Pintu Biswas, & Pipavath Saritha. (2024). Emphysematous Pancreatitis - Clinical and Radiological Insights. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences, 13(6), 159–161. https://doi.org/10.14260/jemds.v13i6.654

References

  1. Wig JD, Kochhar R, Bharathy KG, et al. Emphysematous pancreatitis. Radiological curiosity or a cause for concern. Jop 2008;9(2):160-6.
  2. Filipović A, Mašulović D, Bulatović D, et al. Emphysematous pancreatitis as a life-threatening condition: a case report and review of the literature. Medicina 2024;60(3):406.
  3. Révérien N, Shuruk M, Abdellatif S, et al. The emphysematous pancreatitis: a rare complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine 2020;7(6).