Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: June 28, 2021
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency associated with panniculitis treated with plasma exchange therapy
Priscila de Oliveira1, Libania Paz-Melgar, Maria Denise F Takahashi
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. priscila_o@hotmail.com <priscila_o@hotmail.com>
Background:
Alpha-1-antitrypsin is the principal serum protease inhibitor. In addition to the well-recognized association with early-onset emphysema and cirrhosis, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency may be associated with panniculitis. The treatment of this type of panniculitis presents a significant challenge. Previous attempts using immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic drugs have shown variable results.
Aim:
To report a case of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency-associated panniculitis treated with plasma exchange therapy.
Methods:
A 23-year-old patient developed painful red nodules on her thighs and buttocks with spontaneous ulceration and discharge of oily fluid. A skin biopsy specimen showed septal and lobular panniculitis. The serum alpha-1-antitrypsin level was 22 mg/dL. She was treated with plasma exchange therapy.
Results:
Treatment of this patient with plasma exchange therapy led to the control of the cutaneous lesions.
Conclusions:
Plasma exchange therapy represents an alternative treatment which restores serum and tissue alpha-1-antitrypsin levels. This method is proposed because of its clinical benefits and greater availability.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction