A case of recurrent pancreatitis induced by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole re-exposure

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Tae Young Park1, Hyoung-Chul Oh, Jae Hyuk Do

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Gut and Liver
|June 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) can cause recurrent acute pancreatitis. This case highlights the importance of considering drug-induced pancreatitis, even when rare, for accurate diagnosis and patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Recurrent acute pancreatitis can have various etiologies.
  • Drug-induced pancreatitis is a rare but significant cause.
  • Identifying causative agents is crucial for preventing recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of recurrent acute pancreatitis potentially induced by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX).
  • To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and importance of drug history in TMP-SMX-induced pancreatitis.
  • To review the literature on drug-induced pancreatitis.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 32-year-old male with recurrent epigastric pain.
  • Detailed patient history including medication use (TMP-SMX) prior to pancreatitis episodes.
  • Exclusion of other common causes of acute pancreatitis.
  • Literature review on TMP-SMX and pancreatitis.

Main Results:

  • The patient experienced two episodes of acute pancreatitis.
  • Both episodes were temporally associated with the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
  • A strong causal relationship between TMP-SMX and pancreatitis was suspected.
  • The final diagnosis was TMP-SMX-induced pancreatitis.

Conclusions:

  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is a potential cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis.
  • Thorough medication history is essential for diagnosing drug-induced pancreatitis.
  • Early recognition and drug cessation can prevent further episodes.
Keywords:
DrugPancreatitisTtrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

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