Pancreas mnemonic

Causes of acute pancreatitis

The mnemonic

I GET SMASHED

What each word stands for

  • IIdiopathic
  • GGallstones
  • EEthanol
  • TTrauma
  • SSteroids
  • MMumps and other infections
  • AAutoimmune
  • SScorpion sting
  • HHypertriglyceridaemia, hypercalcaemia
  • EERCP
  • DDrugs (azathioprine, valproate and others)

Why it matters clinically

Gallstones and alcohol account for most cases, so those two should be thought of first.

Where it stops being reliable

All causes are listed with equal weight, but they are not equally common. The relative order differs between regions.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Pancreas mnemonic?

I GET SMASHED. It helps you recall: Causes of acute pancreatitis.

What does "I" stand for?

Idiopathic

What does "G" stand for?

Gallstones

What does "E" stand for?

ERCP

What are all the parts of the I GET SMASHED mnemonic?

I: Idiopathic; G: Gallstones; E: Ethanol; T: Trauma; S: Steroids; M: Mumps and other infections; A: Autoimmune; S: Scorpion sting; H: Hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercalcaemia; E: ERCP; D: Drugs (azathioprine, valproate and others).

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Pancreas in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

All causes are listed with equal weight, but they are not equally common. The relative order differs between regions.

How is this useful clinically?

Gallstones and alcohol account for most cases, so those two should be thought of first.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Pancreas.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.