Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
03:42

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess

Published on: March 15, 2024

Hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis with a huge pseudocyst in a child with Crohn's disease

Andrea Briem-Richter1, Enke Grabhorn, Katharina Wenke

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse, Hamburg 20246, Germany. a.richter@uke.uni-hamburg.de

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|December 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of severe pancreatitis in a pediatric Crohn's disease patient. The young girl experienced hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition requiring surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology and Pancreatology

Background:

  • Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease) is rarely associated with pancreatitis in children.
  • Previous pediatric cases often involved biliary obstruction or drug-induced pancreatitis.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old girl with Crohn's disease and hypoparathyroidism presented with severe symptoms.
  • She developed hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis, a serious complication.

Findings:

  • The patient's pancreatitis led to the formation of large pseudocysts.
  • This life-threatening condition necessitated surgical treatment.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for severe pancreatitis as a complication in pediatric Crohn's disease.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance and timely intervention in such rare cases.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
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: Introduction01:25

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...