QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
LFTs are usually attained to investigate the underlying cause of pancreatitis. They may be abnormal if there is gallstone disease or alcohol use amongst others. They are not 'diagnostic' of acute pancreatitis per se and are used more often in the severity scoring of pancreatitis.
10005310
e
Liver function tests (LFTs)
QuestionChoice
The CRP level is a prognostic factor, rather than diagnostic test, for severe acute pancreatitis and has been identified as a predictive factor for both pancreatic necrosis and infective pancreatic cysts.
10005308
c
C-reactive protein (CRP)
QuestionChoice
Leucocytosis can indicate the presence of necrotising pancreatitis but a full blood count in itself is not useful in confirmation of 'acute' pancreatitis as it is often largely unchanged.
10005307
b
Full Blood Count (FBC)
QuestionChoice
ESR level is a prognostic factor, rather than diagnostic test, for severe acute pancreatitis. Literature suggests it is slightly inferior to CRP and as such is not routinely used in pancreatitis investigation or monitoring.
10005309
d
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
QuestionChoice
The most likely diagnosis here, given the description of the pain and Cullen's sign on examination, is acute pancreatitis. An amylase 3x the upper limit of normal is extremely suggestive of acute pancreatitis and is the only serum investigation in the diagnostic criteria. It is important to note that the degree of elevation of amylase is not related to the severity of the disease.
10005306
a
Amylase
Concept
Chapter
2693
3730
Acute Pancreatitis
Topic
136
Gastroenterology
13608
A 62-year-old alcohol-dependent male presents to the acute medical unit with an 18-hour history of severe stabbing-like epigastric pain which radiates to his back. He has vomited three times in the past six hours too. On examination, periumbilical discolouration is noted.

Which of the following serum investigations may be diagnostic if significantly raised?
a