Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Diagnostic procedure, MR-Cholangiography, MR, CT, Pancreas, Abdomen, Structured reporting, Inflammation, Acute
Authors:
C. Cannataci1, S. Degiorgio2, K. Cortis3; 1 Msida/MT, 2Msida/MT, 3Zebbug/MT
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-3485
Background
Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory condition with a variety of sequelae which can range from mild to severe.The disease manifests itself in various ways ranging from transient local abdominal discomfort to irreversible systemic complications and,
sometimes,
death.
The Atlanta classification of acute pancreatitis was originally devised in 1992 as a way of differentiating the appearances of the early stages of pancreatitis on imaging particularly based on CT and MRI findings.
This classification represented a great leap forward in the management of pancreatitis as it attempted to do away with the confusing,
and at times conflicting,
terminology which was commonly encountered due to the many changing faces of the disease.
Two decades later this classification was updated to reflect the increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease,
and the advances in imaging techniques and treatment options.
Like the original classification,
the revised Atlanta Classification of 2012,
aims to provide standardised nomenclature together with a universally acceptable classification system for the various manifestations of pancreatitis.
This is crucial since the treatment,
and thus outcome,
of pancreatitis is improved if gastroenterologists,
pathologists,
radiologists,
and surgeons have a better understanding of the disease and if there is improved communication among the members of the multidisciplinary team.
This revised classification is still in use today.