Radiological Assessment of Acute Pancreatitis: A Comprehensive Review

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the leading causes of emergency department visits and hospital admissions in Western countries. Although numerous aetiologies have been described, up to 90% of cases are attributable to gallstones and chronic alcohol abuse. The clinical presentation of AP is highly variable, ranging from mild, self-limiting disease to severe forms characterised by infected necrotising pancreatitis, systemic complications, and organ failure. Severe cases frequently require prolonged hospitalisation and are associated with increased mortality. Early identification of disease severity and accurate determination of the underlying aetiology are therefore essential to guide appropriate treatment, reduce the risk of complications, and improve patient outcomes. This review discusses the pivotal role of diagnostic radiology in the evaluation and staging of AP, with the aim of optimising patient management, treatment planning, and follow-up. Particular emphasis is placed on transabdominal ultrasound (TA-US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and its emerging applications in pancreatic imaging.