Which is a common cause of acute pancreatitis?

• A. Alcohol
• B. Gallstones
• C. Hypertriglyceridemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (B)

Acute pancreatitis usually starts when pancreatic enzymes are prematurely activated within the pancreas, leading to autodigestion and inflammation. A common trigger is obstruction of the pancreatic duct by a gallstone at the ampulla of Vater, which raises ductal pressure and allows enzymes to leak into pancreatic tissue. Gallstones are a leading cause of acute pancreatitis, especially in many Western populations, making this a frequent and important cause to recognize. Alcohol can cause pancreatitis as well, but it is a less common trigger than biliary obstruction and often relates to recurrent or chronic disease. Very high triglyceride levels or hypercalcemia can also cause pancreatitis, but these are less common etiologies compared with gallstone–related obstruction.