Retrospective cohort study demonstrates that modified CT Severity Index directly correlates with lipase values at or above 600

The previously held notion that lipase values do not correlate with severity of pancreatitis does not hold true for lipase values ≥ 600 U/L. This suggests a likelihood of higher morbidity and may justify earlier use of contrast enhanced CT imaging in patients with pancreatitis whose lipase values are >600 U/L. This needs to be further validated with a multisite blinded prospective study.