Retrospective cohort study demonstrates that modified CT Severity Index directly correlates with lipase values at or above 600

BACKGROUND: Elevated lipase is considered an important biomarker for pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to assess a potential correlation between elevated lipase and characteristic imaging findings, as per the well-established Modified CT Severity index (MCTSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, single centre cohort study reviewed the radiologic findings and medical records of 200 consecutive patients with elevated lipase values. Subgroups were then created categorizing patients into low lipase elevation, medium lipase elevation, and high lipase elevation groups. CT exams evaluated by a single fellowship trained radiologist was used to establish MCTSI criteria. RESULTS: Statistical significance was calculated by an independent statistician using a linear regression model which demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the high lipase group, (≥600 U/L) and MCTSI with p-value of <0.05. No significant correlation existed between MCTSI and lipase values below 600 U/L. CONCLUSIONS: The previously held notion that lipase values do not correlate with severity of pancreatitis does not hold true for lipase values ≥ 600 U/L. This suggests a likelihood of higher morbidity and may justify earlier use of contrast enhanced CT imaging in patients with pancreatitis whose lipase values are >600 U/L. This needs to be further validated with a multisite blinded prospective study.