Patient Data
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/31792/c36208fc62e75753e723ed460c3252_big_gallery.jpg)
Diffuse pancreatic parenchymal enlargement predominantly affected the body and tail with decreased attenuation. Indistinct pancreatic margins with surrounding retroperitoneal fat stranding. Thickened edematous large bowel at the hepatic and splenic flexures. Multiple peripancreatic and periportal lymph nodes.
Relative hypoattenuation of the liver to the spleen in keeping with hepatic steatosis. Incidental findings of two small splenunculi inferior to the spleen.
Case Discussion
Findings are consistent with acute pancreatitis.
CT scan, though not a routine workup for acute pancreatitis, is helpful in assessing complications or when the diagnosis is uncertain. Scans are often performed 72 hours from the onset of symptoms when inflammatory changes are detectable in the scan.