SERUM AMYLASE FINDINGS IN CHRONIC ALCOHOLIC PATIENTS WITH ACUTE, SEVERE ABDOMINAL SYMPTOMS

Abstract

Clinical observations on 11 patients are presented. Edema about the pancreas was noted in each of the 4 operated patients. In the remaining 7, high amylase findings contraindicated operations, and all 7 were discharged well. The original diagnosis of acute alcoholic gastritis was changed to pancreatitis in 10 cases. Serum amylase readings ranged from 268-942 S. U. It is concluded that serum amylase detns. should be made on all chronic alcoholic patients if operative intervention is contemplated because of severe acute abdominal symptoms.