When assessing for pancreatitis, which enzyme level would you expect to be elevated?

Lipase is the enzyme most commonly associated with the diagnosis of pancreatitis. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, lipase levels rise significantly, often surpassing the normal range by several times. This elevation is particularly useful because lipase remains elevated longer than amylase, making it a more reliable marker for diagnosing pancreatitis, especially in cases where abdominal pain and other symptoms are present.

While amylase can also be elevated in pancreatitis, it is not specific to this condition and can be affected by other factors, such as salivary gland disorders or intestinal obstruction. ALT and LDH are enzymes related to liver function and tissue damage, respectively, but they are not directly associated with pancreatitis. Therefore, lipase is the preferred enzyme to evaluate when assessing for pancreatitis due to its specificity and reliability in indicating pancreatic inflammation.