In acute forms of pancreatitis, both general and biochemical blood tests are taken, coprologic and urinalysis, and saliva is examined. For a comprehensive examination, ultrasound, computer tomography and MRI are prescribed.
For the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, the main feature is the concentration of enzymes in the urine. Due to biochemical analysis in acute pancreatitis, a serious increase in diastase, the level of amylase in the urine, as well as its increase in saliva is determined. Urine examination also reveals the level of proteins. Often, with this disease, cylinderuria and oliguria are observed.
The coprogram shows the amount of nitrogen, fat and muscle fibers in the feces.
Additionally, duodenal contents can be examined with a probe inserted into the duodenum. Duodenal juice is studied for trypsin, amylase and lipase. According to this analysis, a conclusion is made about the severity of the disease: elevated indices of all three enzymes indicate a serious pancreatic lesion.
ultrasound shows diffuse deformations in pancreatic tissues, proliferation and contraction of connective tissue. Computer tomography allows you to identify areas of tumors and necrosis.
Blood test for acute pancreatitis
The general blood test shows, first of all, signs of inflammation( increased ESR, increased content of leukocytes in plasma).With edematic stage of the disease, there is an average leukocytosis, with severe forms - very high. Often this study shows leukopenia, which reflects the degree of the disease.
In a biochemical blood test in acute pancreatitis, a dramatic increase in amylase( 10-fold), diastase, trypsin, and lipase is found. At the same time, the severity of the disease is indicated by the duration of the increase in amylase activity.
In the blood serum, the concentration of calcium decreases( hypocalcemia), the level of bilirubin and sugar concentration increases. In acute pancreatitis, the destruction of proteins is enhanced, which leads to the accumulation of SMP( medium-molecular peptides).
Studies also show the activity of transaminases( AST and ALT), increase in glucose( hyperglycemia) in the blood and LDH activity, decrease in magnesium, alpha-2-globulin and chloride.
A high-precision test for acute pancreatitis is the amount of elastase 1: its serum level almost immediately increases dramatically.