A radiograph of the abdomen demonstrated dilated loops of bowel, several radiopaque gallstones in the gallbladder, but no free air. The total bilirubin was 3.8, AST 25, ALT 30, albumin 3.5, total protein 5.8, glucose 120, calcium 7.8, phosphorus 3.3, and lipase 2,250. This is acute pancreatitis. Probably gallstones were the cause, since these were seen on x-ray, and there is no history of alcoholism. Less common causes for acute pancreatitis include hypertriglyceridemia, trauma, viral infections, and drugs.
Acute pancreatitis is a medical emergency, and patients can die from it.
It often resolves without sequelae. Repeated bouts of acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Severe chronic pancreatitis often has an etiology of alcoholism.