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Gallstone pancreatitis — PARA MCQ

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HardSurgery - HepatopancreatobiliaryGallstone pancreatitisPARA

A 59-year-old man has 2 hours of severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. Lipase is markedly raised, ALT is raised and ultrasound shows gallstones. What is the most likely cause?

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Correct answer: B — Gallstone obstruction at the ampulla

Raised lipase confirms pancreatitis; gallstones and raised ALT suggest transient obstruction at the ampulla as the precipitant.

Reference: NICE CKS: Acute pancreatitis; BSG guidance