What is the second most common cause of acute pancreatitis?

What is the second most common cause of acute pancreatitis?

• A. Hyperlipidemia
• B. Alcohol abuse
• C. Biliary tract disease
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (B)

Acute pancreatitis most often results from gallstone–related obstruction of the pancreatic duct. After that, alcohol abuse is the next most common trigger. Repeated alcohol exposure can injure the pancreatic acinar cells and stimulate secretions, leading to pancreatitis even if a single episode isn’t dramatic. While very high triglycerides or calcium disorders can cause pancreatitis, they are far less common overall. So alcohol abuse is the best answer because it is the next frequent etiologic factor after biliary disease.

Acute pancreatitis most often results from gallstone–related obstruction of the pancreatic duct. After that, alcohol abuse is the next most common trigger. Repeated alcohol exposure can injure the pancreatic acinar cells and stimulate secretions, leading to pancreatitis even if a single episode isn’t dramatic. While very high triglycerides or calcium disorders can cause pancreatitis, they are far less common overall. So alcohol abuse is the best answer because it is the next frequent etiologic factor after biliary disease.