Pancreatic encephalopathy is one of the severe complications in severe acute pancreatitis,of which the main clinical manifestations is nerve system symptoms and dysphrenia,as wel as the early diagnosis is very difficult companyed by high case fatality and poor prognosis.Eliminating causes of pancreatic encephalopathy、early diagnosis and combined therapy are keys in achieving good curative effect.This paper reviews the study progresses of pancreatic encephalopathy.about pathogenesis,diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as clinical prevention and therapy.