Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the severity of 66 bouts of acute pancreatitis according to CT scan classification in 52 patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis in relation with the duration of the disease.
Methods: Patients without pancreatic collection were classified as benign bouts, others as severe.
Results: Benign and severe acute pancreatitis occurred after a mean duration of 29.5 and 21.4 months, respectively (P < 0.05). Pancreatic calcifications were present on CT scan in 56% and 23% of the benign and severe groups, respectively (P = 0.008). No deaths occurred.
Conclusion: The severity of acute bouts of pancreatitis decreases during chronic alcoholic pancreatitis course, particularly when pancreas is calcified.