Pancreatitis is defined as inflamtion of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly. It is usually resolves within a few days, however acute pancreatitis can become lifethreatening if left untreated. Gallstones is the most common cause of pancreatitis as well as heavy alcohol intake. Ct is the best tool along with ultrasound to aid in diagnosing acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve. This will most likely lead to some type of permanent damage. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is many years of alcohol abuse. Patients with either type of pancreatitis will present with nausea, vomitting, fever, diarrhea, and tender abdomens.
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information found at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pancreatitis/
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