Imaging in pancreatitis: current status and recent advances

Introduction: Imaging of the pancreas has been challenging because of its retroperitoneal location but this has evolved significantly the past decade. Areas covered: Based on an enhanced understanding of the natural course, the terminology to address the various complications of acute pancreatitis has been updated. These new terminologies and the various complications have been reviewed. The role of imaging for evaluating the etiology of recurrent acute pancreatitis, to recognize complications and assess the need for interventions have been discussed in detail. The role of imaging for diagnosis of early non-calcific chronic pancreatitis and distinguishing inflammatory masses from neoplastic masses have been elucidated. Imaging features of autoimmune pancreatitis and its extra-pancreatic manifestations have been covered in a separate section. Expert opinion: A detailed understanding of the recent advances in the imaging modalities is crucial as it impacts management.