BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to discuss the possible role of mean platelet volume as a new predictor in the diagnosis of necrotizing pancreatitis. METHODS: Study subjects are arranged in three different groups: Group I; control group (n= 40), Group II; acute pancreatitis (n= 40), Group III; necrotizing pancreatitis (n= 36). Demographic data and mean platelet volume values are recorded retrospectively. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume of patients in Group II was 7.9±0.53, while in Group III patients’ it was 7.2±0.52 (p<0.001). When we compared the study groups with ROC analysis, results demonstrated that cut off value of necrotizing pancreatitis patients as 7,8 (area under curve: 0.857), sensitivity as 86.1% and specificity as 72.5%. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that mean platelet volume in necrotizing pancreatitis patients is significantly reduced compared to that of patients in the control and acute pancreatitis group.