Pancreatitis-associated collections are classified by timing, maturity, and content: fluid-only versus necrotic debris.
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### Revised Atlanta Framework
| Timing / Content | Interstitial Edematous Pancreatitis | Necrotizing Pancreatitis |
|---|---|---|
| <4 weeks | Acute peripancreatic fluid collection | Acute necrotic collection |
| ≥4 weeks / mature wall | Pseudocyst | Walled-off necrosis |
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### Practical Distinctions
#### Acute Peripancreatic Fluid Collection
Early, fluid-only collection without mature wall.
#### Pseudocyst
Mature, encapsulated, fluid-only collection, usually after interstitial pancreatitis.
#### Acute Necrotic Collection
Early collection containing variable fluid and necrotic debris.
#### Walled-Off Necrosis
Mature, encapsulated necrotic collection, usually after necrotizing pancreatitis.
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### Management Principle
Intervention is driven by symptoms, infection, obstruction, nutritional failure, or persistent clinical deterioration — not imaging appearance alone.
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### Related Pages
- [[Acute Pancreatitis]]
- [[Necrotizing Pancreatitis]]
- [[Pancreatic Cysts]]
- [[Step-Up Approach]]