Which statement best describes mild acute pancreatitis?

Which statement best describes mild acute pancreatitis?

• A. Sepsis
• B. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• C. Edema and inflammation
• D. Pleural effusion

Answer: (C)

Mild acute pancreatitis is characterized by edema and inflammation of the pancreas without organ failure. The inflammatory process causes swelling within the pancreatic tissue as enzymes and inflammatory mediators irritate the gland, but it does not progress to tissue necrosis or widespread systemic complications. Sepsis implies infection with a systemic response, and disseminated intravascular coagulation is a severe coagulopathy that develops with major systemic inflammation or infection—neither describes the mild form. Pleural effusion can occur with pancreatitis, especially in more severe cases, but it isn’t the defining feature of mild pancreatitis. Therefore, edema and inflammation best describe the mild form.

Mild acute pancreatitis is characterized by edema and inflammation of the pancreas without organ failure. The inflammatory process causes swelling within the pancreatic tissue as enzymes and inflammatory mediators irritate the gland, but it does not progress to tissue necrosis or widespread systemic complications. Sepsis implies infection with a systemic response, and disseminated intravascular coagulation is a severe coagulopathy that develops with major systemic inflammation or infection—neither describes the mild form. Pleural effusion can occur with pancreatitis, especially in more severe cases, but it isn’t the defining feature of mild pancreatitis. Therefore, edema and inflammation best describe the mild form.