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Pancreatitis — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateGI/Abdominal emergenciesPancreatitisABEM Board

A 45-year-old man arrives with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back after binge drinking. Triage acuity is ESI 3; BP 132/78 mm Hg, HR 112/min. He has epigastric tenderness without peritonitis. Lipase is 1,200 U/L, and AST is mildly elevated. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Acute pancreatitis

Typical epigastric pain radiating to the back with lipase more than three times normal supports acute pancreatitis.

Reference: ACG acute pancreatitis guideline