Acute lithiasic pancreatitis. Usefulness of a multiple quantitative index.

The authors present a prospective study of early diagnosis of biliary etiology in Acute Pancreatitis, using a Multiple Quantitative Index. A positive diagnosis was achieved in more than a 80% of cases if female, age over or equal 55 years, and serum alanine-aminotransferase over or equal twice normal. Some questions concerning usefulness and therapeutical implications of an early diagnosis of Biliary Pancreatitis is already present in discussion.