ROLE OF IMAGING MODALITIES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS.

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that can range from mild, self-limiting symptoms to severe, life-threatening illness with multiorgan failure. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential, with imaging playing a critical role. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over two years in the Department of Radiodiagnosis in collaboration with the Department of Surgery, NC Medical College and Hospital, Israna, Panipat. Patients of either gender, aged 20–70 years, admitted with acute pancreatitis were included. Ultrasonography (USG) was performed using Voluson P8 with curvilinear, linear, and Doppler probes. Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) was carried out using a GE 32-slice CT scanner, and MRI was performed on a 1.5 Tesla Siemens system. Results: USG detected pancreatic enlargement, altered echotexture, and peripancreatic fluid collections, with a sensitivity of 87% for diagnosing acute pancreatitis. CT demonstrated 100% sensitivity in visualization and size assessment of the pancreas, and was superior in detecting complications that were missed on USG. While USG proved to be a rapid, non-invasive, safe, and cost-effective initial screening tool, CT provided more detailed diagnostic information and better delineation of disease extent. Conclusion: CT scan remains the gold standard for diagnosing and staging acute pancreatitis. However, USG is a valuable first-line modality in emergency and critical care settings, serving as an initial screening technique that can be supplemented by CT for confirmation and evaluation of complications.