Elevated serum amylase usually returns to normal after 7 days of acute pancreatitis. If it remains elevated after 7 days, the possible causes include all except:: (A) Pancreatic ductal disruption, (B) Pancreatic ductal obstruction, (C) Pseudocyst formation, (D) Chronic calcific pancreatitis
Answer is D. In acute pancreatitis, the serum amylase and lipase are elevated within 24 hours of onset and remains for 3-7 days. Levels return to normal within 7 days unless there is pancreatic ductal disruption, ductal obstruction, or pseudocyst formation. Reference: Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th Edition, Page 2631