Utility of Computed Tomography Severity Index in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography severity index for diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis taking clinical gold standard as the gold standard.

Methodology: This cross-sectional validation study was carried out from July 2025 to December 2025 at the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Air Force Hospital, Islamabad. A total of 202 patients aged 18 to 60 years with clinical features of acute pancreatitis were included. Computed tomography abdomen with contrast was performed, and severity index score was calculated and compared with clinical gold standard. The data were analyzed to find sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy.

Results: The mean age of patients was 44.06 years, and most were males (64.9%). Computed tomography severity index showed sensitivity of 86.67%, specificity of 75.00%, positive predictive value of 37.68%, negative predictive value of 96.99%, and diagnostic accuracy of 76.73%. Diagnostic accuracy was higher in patients above 40 years and in those presenting after 14 days of symptoms.

Conclusion: Computed tomography severity index is a reliable imaging tool for grading the severity of acute pancreatitis and guiding early clinical decisions.