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Acute pancreatitis — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

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EasyAcute GI PresentationsAcute pancreatitisSCE Acute Medicine

A 48-year-old woman is assessed on the acute medical unit. She has severe epigastric pain radiating to the back and vomiting after alcohol intake. Serum amylase is more than three times the upper limit of normal. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is the best answer because typical pain plus markedly raised amylase is diagnostic of acute pancreatitis. Acute mesenteric venous thrombosis is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Severity is judged by organ failure and complications, not amylase height.

Reference: NICE NG104