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Transient exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as a possible complication of an enterovirus infection

Stephanie Van Biervliet1, Kathleen De Waele, Myriam Van Winckel

  • 1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Gent, Belgium. stephanie.vanbiervliet@ugent.be

European Journal of Pediatrics
|September 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is rare in children but can be triggered by viral infections. This case highlights a severe, temporary form likely caused by an enterovirus, suggesting a need for broader diagnostic considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pancreatology

Background:

  • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is uncommon in children, typically linked to conditions like cystic fibrosis or Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.
  • While viral infections can cause acute pancreatitis, they are usually transient with no lasting effects.
  • Persistent diarrhea post-gastrointestinal infection rarely prompts investigation for EPI.

Observation:

  • A child presented with symptoms suggestive of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
  • The child had a history of a recent ordinary enterovirus infection.
  • The pancreatic insufficiency was severe but transient.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of a child experiencing severe, transient exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
  • The condition was likely induced by a common enterovirus infection.
  • The findings challenge the routine diagnostic approach for post-infectious diarrhea.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in the differential diagnosis of persistent diarrhea, even after viral gastroenteritis.
  • This case broadens the understanding of enterovirus-associated complications in pediatric patients.
  • Further research may be warranted to explore the mechanisms and prevalence of viral-induced transient EPI in children.
Abstract

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