A 48-year-old man presents to a Brisbane ED, triage category 2, with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. Lipase is 1900 U/L, lactate 3.5,

Question

A 48-year-old man presents to a Brisbane ED, triage category 2, with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. Lipase is 1900 U/L, lactate 3.5, calcium low and CT later confirms pancreatic inflammation. He is hypotensive after vomiting. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Contrast CT abdomen if deterioration or diagnostic uncertainty persists

Answer

Plain skull radiograph

Answer

Exercise stress test

Answer

Hydrogen breath test

Answer

Routine colonoscopy

Severe acute pancreatitis — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

A 48-year-old man presents to a Brisbane ED, triage category 2, with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. Lipase is 1900 U/L, lactate 3.5, calcium low and CT later confirms pancreatic inflammation. He is hypotensive after vomiting. What is the most appropriate investigation?