Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Key diagnostic criteria for acute pancreatitis in primary care include:
- Sudden onset of upper abdominal pain, typically epigastric, often severe and persistent.
- Associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are common.
- Physical signs may include epigastric tenderness, fever, and tachycardia.
- Confirmation of diagnosis is primarily by raised blood levels of pancreatic enzymes, specifically lipase or amylase.
- If enzyme levels are not elevated but clinical suspicion remains high, abdominal imaging such as CT scan may be used to confirm pancreatic inflammation.
- Do not delay emergency hospital admission for suspected acute pancreatitis by arranging blood tests or imaging in primary care; immediate specialist assessment is required.
These criteria help identify suspected acute pancreatitis promptly to ensure urgent referral and management.