skip to main content

Moderately Severe Pancreatitis — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateGastroenterologyModerately Severe PancreatitisRACP Adult Medicine

A 48-year-old woman with gallstones presents with acute pancreatitis (lipase 2500 U/L). She develops transient organ failure (creatinine peaks at 200 μmol/L for 36 hours, resolving with IV fluids). CT at day 5 shows 30% pancreatic necrosis. What is the Revised Atlanta severity classification?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Moderately severe acute pancreatitis

Moderately severe acute pancreatitis is defined by transient organ failure (<48 hours) and/or local complications (necrosis) without persistent organ failure. This patient has both transient AKI (resolved within 48 hours) and pancreatic necrosis. Cholecystectomy should be performed during the same admission (after recovery) for gallstone pancreatitis.

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