• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.686-692
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• 2010

Computed tomography (CT) is considered as gold standard in evaluating pancreatitis in human, but there have been only a few studies in veterinary field. Balthazar CT severity index (CTSI) used to assess the severity of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in human could be applicable to dogs, because the severity of acute pancreatitis depends on the area of pancreatic necrosis in dogs more than in human. In this study, 25 adult, clinically healthy beagle dogs were used. CT examinations was performed in normal pancreas, positive control group and acute necrotizing pancreatitis induced by autologous bile injection. Balthazar CTSI was applied to canine acute necrotizing pancreatitis in contrastenhanced CT image and compared with the result of histopathologic examination. The Hounsfield unit (HU) of normal canine pancreas was $52.44{\pm}4.58$ and the density was significantly decreased in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (P < .05). In contrast-enhanced CT examination, pancreatic density was decreased significantly and this area was compatible to pancreatic necrosis. Balthazar CTSI showed positive correlation with histopathologic evaluation with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88.89%. Balthazar CTSI can be applied to evaluate the severity of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in dogs.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.58-65
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• 2010

Purpose: Since there are few studies involving acute pancreatitis in children, we reviewed our experience with this medical condition to describe the clinical features. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 41 patients with AP who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Pusan National University Hospital between January 1996 and June 2007. Results: Twenty males and 21 females (mean age, 8.7${\pm}$4.5 years) were included. In 22 patients (53.7%), no definitive causes were found. The most common etiologies were choledochal cysts (22.0%). Necrotizing pancreatitis was diagnosed in 5 patients (12.2%), and recurrent acute pancreatitis in 4 patients (9.8%). CT findings included pancreatic swelling (43.9%), peripancreatic fluid collection (29.3%), ascites (24.4%), and peripancreatic fat necrosis (12.2%). Serum amylase and lipase levels at diagnosis were 535.3${\pm}$553.2 and 766.2${\pm}$723.6 U/L, respectively, and were normalized within 1 week in 22 and 14 patients, respectively. On the basis of the Balthazar scale, 2 patients were diagnosed with severe AP. In 4 patients (9.8%), a surgical procedure was indicated. Major complications included ascites (32.3%), sepsis (16.1%), and pseudocyst and renal impairments (12.9%). Two patients died from multi-organ failure. Conclusion: The etiologies of AP in children are varied. Most children have a single episode and a self-limited course. However, AP of childhood still carries significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment according to disease severity, and management of complications are important.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.113-116
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• 2003

We present a case of a colonic involvement associated with necrotizing pancreatitis, with a review of the literature. A 10 year old boy had an appendectomy at the local clinic ten days ago. On admission, he complained nausea, vomiting and severe constipation. His abdomen was distended and he had tenderness on the left abdomen. Laboratory and radiologic studies revealed findings consistent with acute pancreatitis with colonic complication. He was treated conservatively for 30 days but did not improve. On hospital 30th day, abdominal pain developed and his vital sign changed. Abdominal CT suggested ischemic change of the transverse colon. At laparotomy, the left colon showed stenosis. The greatly distended transverse colon was resected and a transverse end colostomy was done. He was discharged at postoperative 45th day with improvement and colostomy closure was performed 8 months later.