Mild Acute Pancreatitis — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyGastroenterologyMild Acute PancreatitisRACP Adult Medicine

A 55-year-old man with type 2 diabetes presents with a 24-hour history of severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, worse on lying flat and relieved by leaning forward. Serum lipase is 1850 U/L (normal <60). He had a heavy alcohol binge the day before. CT abdomen shows diffuse pancreatic oedema with peripancreatic fat stranding but no necrosis. What is the Revised Atlanta severity classification?

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Correct answer: C — Mild acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis without organ failure and without local complications (necrosis, pseudocyst, abscess) is classified as mild by the Revised Atlanta Classification. Mild acute pancreatitis typically resolves within a week. Management is supportive: IV fluids, analgesia, and early enteral nutrition. Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is proven infected necrosis.

Reference: Revised Atlanta Classification 2012; GESA 2024 – Acute Pancreatitis