- Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels are biochemical markers primarily associated with pancreatic inflammation.
- These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when the pancreas is damaged or inflamed.

- In acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic acinar cells are injured, leading to the release of both amylase and lipase into the circulation.
- Among these, lipase is more specific to pancreatic injury and remains elevated for a longer duration compared to amylase.
- Elevated levels of these enzymes support the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, especially when correlated with clinical symptoms like severe abdominal pain and imaging findings.

- In contrast, conditions like chronic hepatitis affect the liver and do not produce elevated pancreatic enzymes.
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) can sometimes complicate with pancreatitis, but by itself does not cause elevated amylase and lipase unless it leads to pancreatic inflammation.
- Similarly, peptic ulcer disease involves the stomach and duodenum and does not typically alter serum amylase or lipase levels.

Therefore, the presence of significantly raised serum amylase and lipase levels is most indicative of acute pancreatitis.