The assessment of severity has a key role in the management of patients with acute pancreatits. A total of 55 patients were enrolled in this study. Ranson's clinical severity was determined within 48 hours after admission and radiologic severity
was
determined based on Balthazar criteria using computed tomography (CT) scan taken not later than 72 hours after admission.
The severity of pancreatitis based on Ranson's criteria was "mild" (0-2 signs) in 39 patients (71%), "moderate" (3-6 signs) in 10 (18%), and "severe" (≥7 signs) in 6(11%). With increase in Ranson's score, average days of fasting, hospitalization
and
ICU care were increased. The mortality rate was also increased. With CT criteria, the patients showed mild severity in 29 patients (53%) (A:18, B:11), moderate in 20(36%) (C:16, D:4), and severe in 6(11%) (E:6). With increase in CT grade, above
mentioned clinical parameters were similarly increased. When clinical and CT criteria were compared simultaneously, of 39 pastients with "mild" by clinical criteria 24 patients were in "mild" (grade A or B) and remaining 15 patients in "moderate"
(grade
C or D) by CT criteria. In 10 clinically "moderate" patients, 5 were in "mild" (grade A or B), 3 in "moderate" (grade C or D) and 2 in "severe" (grade E) by CT criteria. In 6 clinically severe patients, 2 were in "moderate" (grade C or D) and 4
were in
"severe" (grade E) by CT criteria.
In conclusion, Ranson's clinical criteria and CT grading were both useful in assessing the clinical course of acute pancreatitis. Significant statistical correlation was not found between two criteria but combined prognostic criteria may be more
helpful
in determination of final outcome of acute pancreatitis.
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