Acute pancreatitis and pregnancy

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is a rare, but severe medical condition, occurring in 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 pregnancies and may present as mild, moderate, or severe disease. Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in the pregnant population is hampered by biochemical and hematological alterations generated by pregnancy itself. There is an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications in cases of severe acute pancreatitis in pregnancy. Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is based on clinical examination, laboratory tests and imaging techniques. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound are diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Surgical treatment is indicated in severe and refractory cases of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is preferred over open cholecystectomy. Timely diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis significantly improves both maternal and fetal outcome.