Diagnostic Performance of Scoring Systems in Non-Biliary Acute Pancreatitis Prognosis: A Comparative Analysis of Ranson and Balthazar Scores

Abstract

Aim: The Ranson score (RS) and the Balthazar Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) are commonly used to predict the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the diagnostic superiority of these scoring systems in predicting the prognosis of non-biliary AP remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the RS and CTSI in predicting the prognosis of non-biliary AP. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 67 non-biliary AP patients who were followed at the Internal Medicine clinic of Hospital, between January 2021 and May 2023. The RS and CTSI were calculated based on the laboratory and radiological findings of the patients. The endpoints consisted of prolonged hospitalization (≥8 days), complications, and mortality. Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.1±8.3 years, and the majority were male (59.7%). Complications developed in 11.9% of the patients, prolonged hospitalization occurred in 26.9%, and death occurred in 6%. In predicting the risk of prolonged hospitalization and complications, CTSI exhibited superior diagnostic performance compared to RS (the area under the curve (AUC) = 0.590 vs. 0.856, p