Question

A 52-year-old man presents with sudden onset severe epigastric pain radiating to the back after a binge of alcohol. Serum lipase is 1,200 U/L (reference <160), ALT is normal and ultrasound shows no gallstones. According to Australian practice, which statement best reflects the role of serum lipase in diagnosing acute pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Serum lipase >3 times the upper limit of normal supports the diagnosis in the right clinical context

Answer

Serum lipase must be elevated to more than 10 times the upper limit of normal to diagnose pancreatitis

Answer

Elevated serum lipase is neither sensitive nor specific

Answer

Serum lipase is only useful in gallstone pancreatitis

Answer

Amylase is preferred to lipase for diagnosis

Practice question