Pediatric pancreatitis has received much attention during the past few years. The incidence of acute pancreatitis in children has increased over the past 20 years. Therefore, acute pancreatitis should be considered during the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in children. The etiological factors are different than in adults and, in recent reports, a wide range of potential causes has been associated with acute pancreatitis in children. The most common etiology of acute pancreatitis in children are biliary duct disorders, drugs, systemic diseases, trauma and also genetic factors. More than one third of the cases is idiopathic. The good knowledge of etiological factors is very useful in the planning of the adequate diagnostic procedures. The finding of the proper cause allow us to start appropriate treatment.