Which pancreatic enzyme is elevated in pancreatitis along with amylase?

In the context of pancreatitis, the elevation of lipase alongside amylase is a key diagnostic indicator. Lipase is an enzyme specifically produced by the pancreas, and it plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. During episodes of pancreatitis, pancreatic tissue becomes inflamed, leading to the release of lipase into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated serum levels.

Amylase, another enzyme that is typically elevated in pancreatitis, helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates. However, lipase is considered more specific for pancreatic damage. While other enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) may be elevated due to liver dysfunction or other conditions, they do not specifically correlate with pancreatic inflammation to the same degree as lipase.

Thus, the elevation of lipase along with amylase serves as an important clinical marker for diagnosing and monitoring pancreatitis, making lipase the correct choice in this scenario.