Castleman disease of the pancreas mimicking pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Castleman's disease (CD) of the pancreas is a rare benign disease which can sometime resemble a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We report a case of a 46-years-old lady with an incidental pancreatic lesion. Preoperative diagnosis was a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, for which anterior Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy surgery (RAMPs) was performed. The postoperative histopathology showed features consistent with hyaline vascular type Castleman's disease. She had an uneventful surgical procedure and no serious postoperative complications. DISCUSSION: Pancreatic Castleman's disease is usually difficult to diagnose and there is no specific clinical manifestation to distinguish it from a neuroendocrine tumor. Even with radiological imaging it is very difficult to distinguish Castleman's disease from neuroendocrine tumors, and the preoperative imaging diagnosis may not match with the postoperative histopathological diagnosis. Treatment of CD is surgical resection and has a good prognosis. Partial resection and radiation therapy or observation alone is an alternative to complete surgical resection. CONCLUSION: Castleman disease of the pancreas sometimes mimics neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Clinicians should consider Castleman's disease of the pancreas as a differential diagnosis for neuroendocrine like lesions of the pancreas.

Predictive Factors Associated With Survival in Periampullary Cancers Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background Periampullary cancers arise from four different anatomical sites and are in close proximity. But they have different survival outcomes. There are various clinicopathological factors associated with survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy done for periampullary cancers. So, we aimed to identify the predictive factors associated with poor survival in periampullary cancers at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods We analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, from April 2004 to May 2014. Demography, clinicopathological features, and survival outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results This study included 61 patients. The mean age of patients was 56.2 ± 14.2 years, and there was a male preponderance (M:F = 1.4). The median survival of all patients was 24 months. Non-pancreatic periampullary cancer patients had better median survival as compared to pancreatic cancer patients (24 vs. 8 months, p = 0.03). The presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), peripheral invasion (PNI), nodal involvement, and a higher lymph node ratio (LNR) were associated with poor median survival. However, perineural invasion was the only factor associated with poor survival in multivariate analysis. Conclusion The presence of perineural invasion is associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with periampullary cancer following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Also, carcinoma of the head of the pancreas has poor survival as compared to other periampullary cancers.

Hepatic mass caused by Fasciola hepatica: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Fascioliasis is a zoonotic infestation which presents with a wide spectrum of clinical pictures. However, it may often be overlooked, especially in the acute phase, because of uncertain symptoms. Fasciola hepatica can have an initial presentation similar to malignant liver mass or complex hepatic cyst. Here, we report a case of a hepatic mass caused by fasciola hepatica. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old woman came with chief complaints of epigastric and right hypochondrial discomfort associated with nausea and vomiting. Ultrasonography (USG) showed a heterochronic lesion in the segment VIII of the liver with few cystic lesions. CECT abdomen and pelvic gave impression of ill-defined irregular hypodense lesions in the right lobe of the liver with progressive enhancing peripheral and central cystic areas suggestive parasitic liver infestation likely echinococcus alveolaris. Right hepatectomy was done and the patient was discharged without any complications. DISCUSSION: Fascioliasis is uncommon in developed countries but more commonly seen in developing countries. The identification of fasciola hepatica eggs in the stool is a standard method for the diagnosis of fascioliasis. Fascioliasis may cause a wide variety of clinical signs ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe liver cirrhosis. Surgery for complex hydatid cysts of the liver is potentially burdened by serious complications. Technique of choice for surgical management remains inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Fasciola hepatica infection can mimic a malignant liver mass or a complex hepatic cyst because of its uncertain presentation. The disease can be prevented with public education and environmental precautions.

Huge retroperitoneal liposarcoma encasing right kidney: A case report from Nepal.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare entity originating from adipocytes. Before showing any symptoms, it can grow hugely and envelop nearby structures. Surgery is the optimum course of treatment, however, well-differentiated liposarcomas make it challenging to discern between malignant and normal adipocytes during surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 62-year-old male referred to evaluate his abdominal distention presented for four years. Recently he had developed loin pain for six months. A computerized tomography scan showed extensive tumor encompassing the right kidney and ureter, colon, and duodenum, however, exploratory laparotomy revealed free colon and duodenum. Complete resection of the mass with a right nephrectomy was performed. Subsequently, a histopathological assessment of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis of well-differentiated liposarcoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated as the tumor was a high-risk sarcoma but local recurrence was observed after 2 years despite surgery and chemotherapy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Imaging modalities are the mainstay of preoperative diagnosis. Preferably, surgical resection with a tumor-free margin is recommended to avoid tumor recurrence which remains the primary challenge. This, along with the grade of the tumor, multifocal disease, and invasion of adjacent structure dictate the prognosis of the disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not regarded as standard therapies for resectable retroperitoneal liposarcoma, although further research is still needed to determine their value in the case of high-risk sarcoma. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal liposarcoma has the potential to present as huge asymptomatic masses which with an added predilection for recurrence poses a huge challenge to any surgeon.

Duodenal perforation due to migrated biliary stent: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Biliary stents are frequently associated with various complications; however biliary stent migration causing duodenal perforation is rare and has only been reported in few cases. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of 33 years old male with pain abdomen and fever for 2 days came to Emergency department. He had undergone open common bile duct exploration (CBD), clearance of stone and placement of CBD stent. In X-ray abdomen, biliary stent migration was suspected. CECT abdomen was done for the confirmation of diagnosis which showed migrated stent with duodenal perforation. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and Thal patch repair, pyloric exclusion, retrograde duodenostomy and feeding jejunostomy. Post-operative period was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Biliary stents are used to relieve biliary obstruction. There is increasing use of endoscopic retrograde drainage via plastic endoprosthesis and so the related morbidities. One of the rare but serious complications is intestinal perforation and duodenal perforation is seen in most of the cases, explanation being the relative fixed position of the duodenum. CONCLUSION: Although intestinal perforation is an uncommon complication following CBD stenting, we should suspect it in patients presenting with pain and fever.

Chylous leak following pylorus-preserving gastrectomy with D1 lymphadenectomy for carcinoma stomach: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chyle leak is the leakage of milk-like triglyceride-rich lymphatic fluid from the lymphatic system to the peritoneal cavity. The incidence of chyle leak after radical gastrectomy is very low. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old female presented with complaints of decreased appetite and weight loss for six months. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a polypoidal growth along the greater curvature and the histopathological report of the biopsy taken showed high-grade tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia. The patient underwent pylorus-preserving gastrectomy with D1 lymphadenectomy. Postoperatively, after initiation of the oral diet, the abdominal drain started draining milky white fluid, which was rich in triglyceride. The patient was managed conservatively with nil per oral, total parenteral nutrition, and somatostatin analogue. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The appearance of milky, nonpurulent fluid in abdominal drain concurrent with the initiation of oral feeding is characteristic of postoperative chyle leak. In our case, we managed the case successfully over a few days with total parenteral nutrition, nil per oral status, and somatostatin analogue. CONCLUSION: The incidence of chyle leak after gastrectomy is low, if it occurs it prolongs the hospital stay. Higher age, female gender, and early enteral feeding have been seen as the risk factors for chyle leak. Conservative treatment is effective and is the treatment of choice.

Right-sided paraduodenal hernia with malrotation - A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Paraduodenal hernia is a rare cause of internal hernia. It is the herniation of small bowel through a peritoneal sac in the duodenum. It occurs due to incomplete rotation and fixation abnormalities of the primitive midgut during fetal development. We report a case of right sided paraduodenal hernia in an adult male. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case of 36-year-old gentleman who presented with complaints of abdominal fullness and upper abdominal pain for 1.5 months and 7 to 8 episodes of vomiting. CT scan of abdomen gave an impression of right-sided paraduodenal hernia. Exploratory laparotomy with hernia repair was performed and patient was discharged without complications. DISCUSSION: Right sided paraduodenal hernia is the protrusion of viscera through the fossa of Waldeyer. It is frequently associated with malrotation and strangulation. Its diagnosis is frequently delayed. Symptoms are non-specific and may need laparotomy for diagnosis. Technique of choice for surgical management remains inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Paraduodenal hernias are frequently diagnosed late or incidentally because of vague symptoms. They are rarer and carry higher lifetime risk of strangulation and bowel obstruction. Surgical management is necessary after diagnosis.

Ileal perforation as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Lupus enteritis is uncommon in patients with SLE and usually presents with anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Intestinal perforation as an initial manifestation of SLE is rare and can have a grave prognosis if not timely diagnosed. CASE HISTORY: We report an unusual case of a 22-year-old regularly menstruating female who presented with features of perforation peritonitis as an initial manifestation of lupus enteritis. Intraoperatively, a gangrenous ileal segment with multiple perforations was present. Thus, with an intraoperative diagnosis of perforation peritonitis, a gangrenous segment of the small bowel was resected and a double-barrel jejuno-ileostomy was created. DISCUSSION: Lupus enteritis manifesting initially as bowel perforation can be an uncommon cause of acute abdomen. A plain chest X-ray can show gas under the diaphragm suggesting bowel perforation. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen is the gold standard in diagnosing lupus enteritis with a good prognosis on steroids. CONCLUSION: Primary closure, resection, and anastomosis of small gut or diverting stoma are required for management of perforation. A high degree of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis thus preventing the grave prognosis of such an entity.

Mucormycosis-unusual cause of lower GI bleeding: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis is a rare systemic fungal infection seen in immune-compromised patients. Gastrointestinal tract involvement is not usual. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36 years female presented with fever and progressive bilateral leg swelling for 25 days. She was diagnosed as nephrotic syndrome and started on methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. She developed hematochezia during hospital stay. On colonoscopy, ulcero-proliferative lesion was noted in caecum. Histopathology examination has confirmed it as mucormycosis of Caecum. DISCUSSION: Mucormycosis is an opportunistic angioinvasive disease caused by fungus zygomycosis it is a rare disease and often manifests as a life-threatening condition in immune-compromised patient. Invasion by fungal hyphae leads to arterial thrombosis, tissue infarction, hemorrhage and, necrosis. Diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination and culture. It is usually treated by the anti-fungal drug- liposomal amphotericin and surgical debridement. CONCLUSION: Mucormycosis is a fatal systemic fungal infection, which can present as lower gastrointestinal bleeding in immunocompromised patients.

Transduodenal surgical ampullectomy for intra-ampullary papillary tubular neoplasm (IAPN): A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intra-ampullary papillary tubular neoplasms (IAPNs) are relatively rare kind of neoplasms occurring in the region of the papilla which exhibit significant malignant transformation. The patient was concerned about his pain and the possibility of malignancy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 47-year-old male who presented with persistent upper abdomen pain. Following detail investigations, he was diagnosed as IAPN and managed by transduonal ampullectomy (TDA). CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The insidious onset of IAPN along with its high risk of malignancy makes it mandatory for its proper treatment. Although, endoscopic approach is advantageous for initial therapy, it has some technical difficulties. Hence TDA forms the cornerstone in the management of IAPN with good prognosis. CONCLUSION: Transduodenal ampullectomy is a safe and feasible option for IAPN. It can be the first choice of treatment in selected cases where endoscopic papillectomy is not available.

Factors Associated with Fluid Sequestration in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis: A Prospective Study in Tertiary Centre Hospital in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with extensive fluid sequestration. The aim of this study was to determine association of fluid sequestration at 48 hours after hospital admission (FS48) in AP patients with demographics, clinical parameters, and outcomes of AP. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out on all adult patients with AP admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal, from January to September 2017. FS48 was calculated as the difference between fluid input and output in the first 48 hours of admission. The Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Dunn's test examined the difference in FS48 between mild AP, moderately severe AP, and severe AP. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate association between FS48 with patients' characteristics and outcomes of AP. Outcomes of AP assessed included pancreatic necrosis, persistent organ failure, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Eighty patients (median age 44 years; 57% male) with a median FS48 of 1610 mL were evaluated. The median FS48 for mild AP, moderately severe AP, and severe AP were 1,180 mL, 2,380 mL, and 3,500 mL, respectively. There was a significant difference in pairwise comparisons between mild AP and moderately severe AP, along with mild AP and severe AP. Younger age, other etiology, and higher creatinine were independently associated with increased FS48. Increased FS48 was significantly associated with pancreatic necrosis, persistent organ failure, and in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, younger age and higher creatinine were predictors of increased FS48. Increased FS48 was associated with poorer outcomes of AP.

Concomitant hilar cholangiocarcinoma with choledochal cyst and cholelithiasis in an asymptomatic patient: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Choledochal cyst is an important risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. Concomitant hilar cholangiocarcinoma with choledochal cyst with cholelithiasis is a rare finding. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old male presented with non-specific complaints of generalized weakness for 3 months. Transabdominal ultrasound showed dilated common bile duct with hyperechoic mass at hilar region; further evaluation with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and contrast-enhanced computer tomography of abdomen and pelvis revealed concomitant intraductal hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Bismuth Corlette type 1) with Choledochal cyst (type IVa) with cholelithiasis. After optimization patient underwent left hepatectomy with common bile duct excision with cholecystectomy with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Histopathological examination confirmed it to be well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, intestinal type at the hilar confluence. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: An asymptomatic male patient with the concomitant finding of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (Bismuth Corlette type I) with choledochal cyst type IVa with cholelithiasis is a rare finding. The patient was managed with surgical excision of the common bile duct with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and cholecystectomy. Diagnostic evaluation should be proper not to miss or overlook such a synchronous lesion. CONCLUSION: Incidental finding of concomitant perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with the choledochal cyst is rare. Proper evaluation of the patient with CECT abdomen and pelvis and MRCP is necessary for the diagnosis. Proper surgical resection with adequate lymph node removal is important for surgical clearance.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising within choledochal cyst managed by pancreaticoduodenectomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Choledochal cysts (CC) are rare cystic dilatation of the biliary trees. Malignancy is one of the important significant findings in CC and its incidence increases with age. Associated squamous cell carcinoma of the choledochal cyst is an uncommon pathological finding. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 21-year-old male diagnosed with type 1 CC and planned for excision of the cystic dilated extrahepatic biliary tract with hepaticojejunal anastomosis in Roux-en-Y but underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy due to intraoperative palpable mass of CC which was adhered to the duodenum and pancreatic head. Histopathology of the excised specimen revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the choledochal cyst. DISCUSSION: CC represents a rare biliary cystic disease. Though infrequent, malignant transformation in CC includes cholangiocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and rarely SCC. The post-operative management for SCC in CC is ill-defined and carries a grave prognosis. CONCLUSION: The choledochal cyst should be completely excised wherever possible to avoid the possible malignant transformation in CC including SCC.

Jejunal varices with extra hepatic portal vein obstruction: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) with portal hypertension is rare in children. Intestinal varices as new collaterals accompanying portal hypertension are very rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report an unusual case of a 12-year-old boy with EHPVO with gastrointestinal bleeding from ectopic jejunal varices, without any gastroesophageal varices. DISCUSSION: Portal hypertension is the most common cause of EHPVO. Among various ectopic varices, intestinal varices are found distal to the duodenum and present with complaints of hematochezia, melena, or intraperitoneal bleeding. The diagnosis of the EHPVO is aided by imaging investigations like Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. A multidisciplinary team including gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, surgeons, and intensivists is crucial in the management of ectopic varices. CONCLUSION: Jejunal varices must be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in patients with a negative source of bleed on upper and lower GI endoscopy.

Pancreatic ascites managed with a conservative approach: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ascites refers to the massive accumulation of pancreatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity and is a rare entity. Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis is the most common cause. Ascites is commonly seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease and is usually a consequence of portal hypertension. Biliary pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma and cystic duplications of biliopancreatic ducts, ampullary stenosis, or ductal lithiasis are the remaining causes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old Chhetri man, a chronic alcoholic, presented with epigastric pain and abdominal distension. He had made several previous visits to a local hospital within the past 6 months for a similar presentation. Serum alkaline phosphatase 248 IU/L, serum amylase 1301 IU/L, and lipase 1311 IU/L were elevated while serum calcium was decreased (1.5 mmol/l). Ascitic fluid amylase was elevated (2801 IU/L). A computed tomography scan of his abdomen revealed features suggestive of acute-on-chronic pancreatitis. The case was managed with a conservative approach withholding oral feedings, starting total parenteral nutrition, paracentesis, octreotide, and pigtail drainage. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic ascites is a rare entity. Diagnosis is suspected with raised ascitic fluid amylase in the presence of pancreatic disease. Such cases can be managed by conservative approach or interventional approach. We managed this case through a conservative approach.

Primary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: Uncommon Tumor, Uncommon Presentation. A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: The symptoms of primary duodenal adenocarcinoma, which is a rare but aggressive tumor, are vague and nonspecific and often result in a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. This results in a tumor being diagnosed at an advanced stage when it becomes unresectable secondary to local and distant spread. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Nepalese female presented to our hospital with epigastric pain, anorexia, and significant weight loss that developed over two-and-a-half months. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed an ulceroproliferative growth in the first part of the duodenum with no features of duodenal stenosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed heterogeneously enhancing, circumferential, asymmetrical thickening in the first part of the duodenum and multiple liver metastases. Biopsy of the mass revealed features suggestive of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. She was managed with palliative care during her hospital stay. The unique presentation in our case was that the tumor did not cause stenosis and the patient could consume food till the last day of her life. CONCLUSION: In patients with primary duodenal adenocarcinoma, the non-stenotic lesion is also a possibility. Clinicians should always maintain a high degree of suspicion to avoid the delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Iatrogenic bile duct injury during cholecystectomy presenting after 11 years as a biliary stricture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Benign biliary stricture is an infrequent condition and the majority occur following cholecystectomy. This case report highlights the occurrence of such a stricture 11 years after cholecystectomy without development of biliary cirrhosis. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was a 55-year-old Nepalese woman who presented to our hospital with cholangitis of 1-month duration and a history of cholecystectomy 11 years ago. A diagnosis of benign biliary stricture without features of biliary cirrhosis was made, and the patient was successfully managed with a multidisciplinary approach. CONCLUSION: Benign biliary stricture can present even decades after cholecystectomy. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the treatment of choice, and a long-term favorable outcome can be expected.

Early outcome of Frey's procedure for chronic pancreatitis: Nepalese tertiary center experience.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and persistent inflammatory disease resulting in pancreatic insufficiency leading to diabetes and steatorrhea. Abdominal pain is the most debilitating feature and is often refractory to treatment. Medical management with adequate analgesia and replacement of pancreatic enzyme supplements is the first line in management of chronic pancreatitis. Surgery is reserved for those who fail medical management. The choice of surgical procedure and timing of surgery is a topic of debate. The objective of this study was to analyze surgical safety along with short- and long- term outcomes of Frey's procedure for patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of cases of chronic pancreatitis who underwent Frey's procedure from 2016 January to 2019 February at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Demographics, intraoperative findings, perioperative outcomes, and short- and long-time outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Total of 26 patients (age ranged 17-52, male - 14) underwent Frey's procedure in the study period. Alcohol was etiology in six patients while the majority (76.9%) were nonalcoholic. Half of the patients had tropical pancreatitis. Intractable pain was present in all cases along with pseudocyst in three and pseudoaneurysm in one case. The mean preoperative Izbicki scores were 53.4 ± 17.6. Six patients had diabetes and two patients had steatorrhea. Major complications were seen in 11.5% of cases while mortality was in one patient. The median duration of the hospital stay was seven days. Over a median follow up of 17 months (range, 3-38), there were significantly lower pain scores postoperatively and 92% were pain-free. Only one new case of diabetes developed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Our early experiences suggests that Frey's procedure can be a safe option for patients with chronic pancreatitis, with acceptable perioperative morbidity with adequate pain relief without worsening of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function.

Acute biliary pancreatitis: an experience in a tertiary level hospital of Nepal.

Acute Biliary Pancreatitis is one of the commonest forms of pancreatitis in Nepal. Controversies exist as to the most appropriate way of management of these cases. The present study was carried out to evaluate the management and outcome of Acute Biliary Pancreatitis cases in a tertiary level hospital of Nepal. A retrospective analysis of the patients managed with Acute Biliary Pancreatits was done. All patients admitted with the diagnosis of Acute Biliary Pancreatitis over a period of 2 years were included in the study. The variables measured were age, sex, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, mode of treatment and outcome. A total of 45 cases had Acute Biliary Pancreatitis suggesting a prevalence of 28 %. The mean age was 45 ± 10 year. 39 patients (86.6 %) were treated with conservative management. 23 patients (54 %) had an uneventful recovery without any complications. 21 patients (46 %) developed some form of complications but recovered successfully. Mortality was seen in only one patient in the conservatively treated group. In a resource poor setting such as Nepal, definitive management is not always possible. Conservative management of Acute Biliary Pancreatitis has a favorable outcome in the majority of our patients with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Definitive management can be safely performed during index admission where possible.

Validation of 'moderately severe acute pancreatitis' in patients with acute pancreatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute pancreatitis, according to Atlanta classification, is a heterogeneous group of patients with different outcomes. The patients with local complications and without organ failure have better outcome. This study has been conducted to determine the proportion of moderately severe acute pancreatitis and validate this subgroup in our population of patients. METHODS: A total of 172 patients with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were categorized into three groups according to presence or absence of local complications and organ failure as mild acute pancreatitis, moderately severe acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis and were compared in terms of need for intensive care unit care, length of ICU stay, need for intervention, length of hospital stay and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty seven (33%) were categorized as moderately severe acute pancreatitis. Need for ICU care (19.3% vs 100%, p<0.001), length of ICU stay (1 vs 9.8 days, p<0.001), length of hospital stay (8.3±3.7 vs 16.6±8.1 days, p<0.001) and mortality (0% vs 33.3%, p<0.001) between moderately severe acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis was significantly different. Moreover, mild acute pancreatitis and moderately severe acute pancreatitis had no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that moderately severe acute pancreatitis exists as a separate group different from mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis with no mortality as in mild acute pancreatitis.