Correlation between imaging features (edematous and necrotizing) and clinical severity (mild, moderately severe, and severe) in acute pancreatitis: an updated perspective.

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. While the 2012 revised Atlanta classification provides a refined framework for defining its phases, categories, and severity grades, the correlation between its imaging subtypes (interstitial edematous and necrotizing) and clinical severity (mild, moderately severe, and severe) remains poorly understood. Furthermore, these classifications are often conflated, with severe acute pancreatitis erroneously equated with necrotizing pancreatitis, overlooking the fact that they originate from fundamentally distinct classification criteria. The purpose of this article is to provide a multi-perspective analysis and elaboration on the bidirectional relationship between the imaging classification and clinical severity grading of acute pancreatitis, and vice versa. By combining imaging with clinical assessment, we aim to achieve a more detailed classification and stratification, thereby enabling both clinicians and radiologists to develop a more profound understanding of acute pancreatitis.