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Acute pancreatitis associated with milk allergy
A de Diego Lorenzo1, J Robles Fornieles, T Herrero López
1Servicio Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
Summary
A young adult experienced recurrent acute pancreatitis triggered by milk consumption. This case highlights milk allergy as an uncommon but significant cause of pancreatitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Allergy
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition with various known etiologies.
- Food allergies are typically associated with gastrointestinal or dermatological symptoms.
- Unusual presentations of pancreatitis require thorough investigation into potential triggers.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old patient presented with recurring acute pancreatitis.
- Symptoms included abdominal pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic enlargement, edema, facial erythema, conjunctival injection, pruritus, diarrhea, and eosinophilia.
- Episodes consistently followed milk consumption.
Findings:
- Serum analysis revealed elevated IgE antibodies specific to cow milk proteins and beta-lactoglobulin.
- The clinical presentation and serological findings strongly suggest a diagnosis of milk allergy.
Implications:
- This case underscores milk allergy as a potential, albeit rare, cause of acute pancreatitis.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking milk allergy to pancreatic inflammation.
- Clinicians should consider food allergies in the differential diagnosis of unexplained recurrent pancreatitis.