Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Case | Balthazar Grade | Necrosis | Score | Severity Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case 1 | A | None | 0 | Mild radiologic severity |
| Case 2 | C | Less than 30% | 4 | Moderate radiologic severity |
| Case 3 | D | 30% to 50% | 7 | Severe radiologic severity |
| Case 4 | E | More than 50% | 10 | Severe radiologic severity |
Formula Used
Balthazar CT Severity Index = Balthazar Grade Points + Necrosis Points
- Grade A = 0 points
- Grade B = 1 point
- Grade C = 2 points
- Grade D = 3 points
- Grade E = 4 points
- No necrosis = 0 points
- Less than 30% necrosis = 2 points
- 30% to 50% necrosis = 4 points
- More than 50% necrosis = 6 points
The score ranges from 0 to 10. Higher values suggest greater radiologic severity. Optional clinical fields add context but do not change the formal CT severity score.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the Balthazar grade from the CT findings.
- Choose the estimated pancreatic necrosis range.
- Enter optional clinical markers for added context.
- Click the calculate button to show the result above the form.
- Review the severity band, score, and supportive interpretation.
- Export the result as CSV or save the page as PDF.
Clinical Interpretation Notes
The Balthazar CT Severity Index is an imaging-based tool used in acute pancreatitis. It combines pancreatic morphologic grade and necrosis extent to estimate severity. It helps structure radiologic communication, compare cases, and support escalation decisions alongside full clinical evaluation.
This calculator is for educational and workflow support. It does not diagnose infection, replace physician judgment, or substitute for comprehensive severity systems such as revised Atlanta classification, bedside scores, laboratory review, and organ failure monitoring.
FAQs
1. What does this calculator measure?
It estimates the CT severity index for acute pancreatitis by combining Balthazar grade points with necrosis points. The result summarizes radiologic severity on a 0 to 10 scale.
2. Does the score include lab values?
No. The formal score only uses CT grade and necrosis extent. This version also displays optional clinical flags to provide extra context without changing the official index.
3. What score range suggests severe disease?
Scores of 7 to 10 generally indicate severe radiologic involvement. These cases often deserve closer monitoring because necrosis and local complications are more likely.
4. When should CT grading be applied?
It is commonly used when contrast-enhanced CT findings are available and pancreatitis severity needs structured imaging assessment. Timing matters because early scans may underestimate necrosis.
5. Can this replace bedside severity scoring?
No. It should complement bedside evaluation, organ failure assessment, laboratory trends, and clinical classification systems. Imaging is only one part of overall pancreatitis severity assessment.
6. Why include CRP and creatinine here?
These inputs do not alter the CT severity index. They highlight supportive clinical concerns that can help users discuss risk more carefully in multidisciplinary reviews.
7. How does CSV export work?
After calculation, click the CSV button. The page downloads a structured file containing selected categories, points, total score, interpretation, and any noted clinical flags.
8. How do I create a PDF copy?
Click the PDF button to open the browser print dialog. Then choose Save as PDF. This preserves the visible result, notes, and supporting content.