How strong is the association between acute pancreatitis and gallstones?

Acute pancreatitis is usually closely associated with gallstones, which are a common cause of the condition. However, a minority of acute pancreatitis cases are not directly related to gallstones. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If gallstones move—such as when stones from the gallbladder enter and block the bile duct—they may obstruct the opening of the pancreatic duct, impairing the outflow of pancreatic fluid. This can lead to abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas, triggering inflammation. A significant proportion of acute pancreatitis cases are caused by gallstones. Patients often experience symptoms of both biliary colic and pancreatitis, such as abdominal pain and fever.

Some cases of acute pancreatitis are unrelated to gallstones and may instead be triggered by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, high-fat diets, infections, or medication side effects. In these instances, patients typically have no history of gallstones, and imaging studies reveal no stones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. The underlying cause must be determined through detailed medical history and further testing, and treatment approaches differ from those for gallstone-related pancreatitis.

Individuals with a history of gallstones should undergo regular check-ups to monitor stone changes and avoid overeating or consuming fatty meals, which may provoke stone movement. Sudden, severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical attention to rule out pancreatitis. Once pancreatitis is diagnosed, the exact cause should be identified to guide targeted treatment and prevent delays in care or overlooking existing gallstone issues.