Journal of Rheumatic Diseases  2012;19(1):43-46

doi:10.4078/jrd.2012.19.1.43

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

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

Affiliations

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Keywords

Henoch-Schonlein purpura; Pancreatitis; Vasculitis

Country

Republic 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.