Related Experiment Videos
Acute pancreatitis associated with acute hepatitis E infection
Govind K Makharia1, Pramod K Garg, Rakesh K Tandon
1Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029. mgovind@hotmail.com
Tropical Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Digestive Diseases Foundation
|May 29, 2004
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can cause acute pancreatitis, a rare but serious condition. This case highlights HEV as a potential cause of pancreatitis, even when typical causes are ruled out.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis is a common gastrointestinal emergency.
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection typically causes acute hepatitis.
- HEV-induced pancreatitis is an uncommon presentation.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with severe abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia, and a bulky pancreas.
- The patient exhibited deep jaundice and markedly elevated serum transaminases.
- Serum IgM anti-HEV antibodies were positive, with common pancreatitis causes excluded.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a benign course of both acute viral hepatitis and acute pancreatitis.
- Complete recovery was achieved without specific treatment for pancreatitis.
- This case underscores the occasional association between HEV infection and acute pancreatitis.
Implications:
- HEV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, especially in endemic areas.
- Early identification of HEV as the causative agent can guide patient management.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis of HEV-related pancreatitis.