Acute Pancreatitis as a Complication of Adult Henoch-Schonlein Purpura.

Author: Min Wook SO ¹ ; You Jae KIM ; Hwan Sung PARK ; Yong Gil KIM ; Chang Keun LEE ; Bin YOO
Author Information

1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. byoo@amc.seoul.kr
Publication Type:Case Report
Keywords: Henoch-Schonlein purpura; Pancreatitis; Vasculitis
MeSH: Abdominal Pain; Adult; Amylases; Humans; Lipase; Middle Aged; Pancreatitis; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch; Steroids; Unnecessary Procedures; Vasculitis
From:Journal of Rheumatic Diseases 2012;19(1):43-46
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Pancreatitis is a rare manifestation of adult Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). We describe here a 53-year-old man who presented with acute pancreatitis as a complication of adult HSP. Pancreatic involvement in HSP is self-limiting and benign. Prompt resolution can be achieved by treatment with steroids. Elevated serum amylase and lipase concentrations may be early diagnostic indicators of HSP pancreatitis. Patients with HSP who have abdominal pain should be evaluated for pancreatitis by measuring serum amylase and lipase concentrations and by abdominal computed tomography scan, to plan specific treatment and avoid unnecessary surgery.