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[Acute pancreatitis caused by atrial fibrillation?].
P Janowitz1, A Von Moltke, B Weidmann
1Klinik für Innere Medizin, Krankenhaus Burg, Germany.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|December 14, 2002
Summary
Atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, can cause blood clots leading to pancreatitis. This study suggests microemboli from atrial fibrillation may be an overlooked cause of acute pancreatitis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent arrhythmia and a significant risk factor for thromboembolic events, particularly stroke.
- Peripheral embolism is a known complication, often manifesting as ischemic stroke, especially in elderly populations.
Observation:
- Three male patients (aged 60-70) with atrial fibrillation experienced acute pancreatitis concurrently with other ischemic events.
- These events included transient ischemic attack, stroke, splenic infarction, and mesenteric artery embolism.
Findings:
- Acute pancreatitis occurred simultaneously with thromboembolic events in all three patients.
- The presentation suggests a probable ischemic etiology for acute pancreatitis, potentially due to microembolization from atrial fibrillation.
- Two patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and one had chronic atrial fibrillation secondary to ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Implications:
- This case series highlights acute ischemic pancreatitis as a potential complication of atrial fibrillation.
- Atrial fibrillation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic pancreatitis, especially in patients with concurrent thromboembolic phenomena.
- Increased clinical attention to atrial fibrillation is warranted for patients presenting with unexplained pancreatitis.