Pancreatitis Quiz: Ace Your Exams

A 44-year-old man comes to the emergency department with abdominal pain and nausea for the past 24 hours. The pain started a few hours after dinner, and he describes it as a constant pain in the upper part of his abdomen that radiates to his back and flanks. The patient also reports nausea, intermittent vomiting, and abdominal distention. Family history is significant for recurrent episodes of pancreatitis in his father and paternal uncle. He reports drinking an average of 2 alcoholic drinks per week. His temperature is 37.7ºC (99.9ºF), pulse is 92/min, respirations are 20/min, peripheral oxygen saturation is 96%, and blood pressure is 149/94 mmHg. He appears distressed and anxious. Abdominal examination shows tenderness and rigidity over the epigastric and periumbilical regions. Bowel sounds are diminished. No bruising of the umbilicus or flanks are seen. Which of the following laboratory results is the most specific in diagnosing this patient’s condition?