Acute pancreatitis Typical findings in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Clinical problem Imaging plays a major role to differentiate interstitial edematous from necrotic pancreatitis and to describe relevant local complications for proper patient management and decision-making in acute pancreatitis. Standard radiological procedures The revised Atlanta classification 2012 of acute pancreatitis divides patients into mild, moderately severe and severe groups. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are well established for diagnosis and follow-up of acute pancreatitis and its complications Methodological innovations and assessment Based on the revised Atlanta classification, CT and MRI allow for adequate categorization of interstitial edematous and necrotic pancreatitis. Imaging and standardized reporting nomenclature enable confident differentiation of early and late complications in acute pancreatitis. Recommendations The aim of this review article is to present an image-rich overview of different morphologic characteristics of acute pancreatitis and associated local complications by CT or MRI using case examples.