Acute pancreatitis is most commonly caused by:

A Medications

B Gallstones and alcohol use, which together account for approximately 80 percent of cases

C Pancreatic cancer

D Autoimmune disease

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Acute pancreatitis causes: gallstones (~40%) and alcohol (~40%) = ~80%. Others: hypertriglyceridemia, drugs, ERCP, trauma. Presentation: epigastric pain radiating to back. Elevated lipase (>3x). CT for complications.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "Acute pancreatitis is most commonly caused by:" is Option B: Gallstones and alcohol use, which together account for approximately 80 percent of cases.

The other options — A) Medications, C) Pancreatic cancer, D) Autoimmune disease — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Acute pancreatitis causes: gallstones (~40%) and alcohol (~40%) = ~80%. Others: hypertriglyceridemia, drugs, ERCP, trauma. Presentation: epigastric pain radiating to back. Elevated lipase (>3x). CT f…

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 2 CK - Clinical Knowledge topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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Acute pancreatitis is most commonly caused by:

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

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