Which enzymes are used in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?

• A. Amylase and Lipase
• B. Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase
• C. 5'-Nucleotidase and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase
• D. Aspartate Aminotransferase and Lactate Dehydrogenase

Answer: (A)

Pancreatic enzyme elevations in the blood are central to diagnosing acute pancreatitis, with amylase and lipase being the enzymes most routinely used. Amylase rises early and can help confirm pancreatitis, but it’s less specific and may return to normal within a few days. Lipase is more specific to the pancreas and stays elevated longer, making it more reliable, especially if the patient presents later or with a milder course. Using both enzymes together increases diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for pancreatic injury.

The other enzyme groups shown are markers of liver or biliary disease (such as AST, ALT, GGT, 5'-nucleotidase) or non-specific tissue injury (LDH). They can rise with pancreatitis but are not used to diagnose it because they lack the specificity to pinpoint pancreatic inflammation.