Objective To investigate the CT manifestations of acute pancreatitis (AP) and its complications and to evaluate the imaging modalities for staging the severity of AP. Methods Literatures on CT manifestations of AP and its complications and severity staging of AP were reviewed.Results CT has shown an early overall detection rate of 90% for pancreatic necrosis with close to 100% sensitivity 4 days after episode. The CT severity index has shown a bly positive correlation with the development of local complications and mortality of AP.Conclusion Contrastenhanced CT is the imaging modality of choice to help detect pancreatic necrosis, stage the severity of the inflammatory processes, and depict local complications.