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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Apr 16, 2010; 2(4): 107-111
Published online Apr 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i4.107
Published online Apr 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i4.107
Endoscopic ultrasonography and idiopathic acute pancreatitis
Juan J Vila, Endoscopy Unit, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
Author contributions: Vila JJ contributed solely to this paper.
Correspondence to: Juan J Vila, MD, Endoscopy Unit, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain. juanjvila@gmail.com
Telephone: +34-848-422114 Fax: +34-848-422303
Received: March 13, 2009
Revised: March 31, 2010
Accepted: April 7, 2010
Published online: April 16, 2010
Revised: March 31, 2010
Accepted: April 7, 2010
Published online: April 16, 2010
Abstract
Idiopathic acute pancreatitis is a diagnostic challenge for gastroenterologists. The possibility of finding a cause for pancreatitis usually relies on how far the diagnostic study is taken. Endoscopic explorations such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography can help to determine the cause of pancreatitis. Furthermore, microscopic bile examination and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography can also be helpful in the work up of these patients. In this article an approximation to the diagnostic approach to patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis is made, taking into account the reported evidence with which to choose between the different available explorations.
Keywords: Endosonography, Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic retrograde, Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic resonance, Microscopic bile examination, Idiopathic pancreatitis, Acute, Diagnosis