What are the most common etiologies of acute pancreatitis?

• A. Hyperlipidemia
• B. ETOH use or gallstones
• C. Biliary infections
• D. Autoimmune pancreatitis

Answer: (B)

Two main causes account for most cases of acute pancreatitis: alcohol use and gallstone disease. Chronic heavy alcohol consumption damages pancreatic cells and promotes enzyme secretion and inflammation, increasing the risk of pancreatitis. Gallstones can intermittently or suddenly obstruct the pancreatic duct at the ampulla of Vater, causing reflux and premature activation of pancreatic enzymes inside the pancreas, leading to autodigestion and inflammation. While other factors like extremely high triglycerides, certain medications, autoimmune disease, or infections can cause pancreatitis, they are far less common. Hence, alcohol use and gallstones are the most frequent etiologies.