Comparative Study of Balthazar Computed Tomography Severity Index and Modified Computed Tomography Severity Index in Predicting the Outcome of Acute Pancreatitis

To compare the Balthazar CT Severity Index and Modified CT Severity Index in predicting the outcome of acute pancreatitis. 150 cases of acute pancreatitis, underwent CECT. The scans were reviewed and scored using both CT indices. Severity parameters included length of hospital stay, need for intervention, occurrence of organ failure, evidence of infection, and mortality. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline characteristics. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the two indices. Using Balthazar CTSI with the patient outcome, statistically significant correlation was found between the grades and the length of hospital stay (p = 0.011), development of infection (p = 0.018), occurrence of organ failure (p = 0.027), and mortality (p = 0.019). No correlation, however, was obtained between the score and the need for an interventional procedure (p = 0.126). In contrast, the correlation between the grades under the Modified CT Severity Index and outcome was much stronger (p = 0.000 for length of hospital stay, p = 0.004 for development of infection, p = 0.024 for occurrence of organ failure and p = 0.013 for mortality). It could also accurately predict the need for interventions (p = 0.030). The modified CTSI correlates more closely with patient outcome than the CTSI.