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Published on: January 28, 2019
Acute pancreatitis due to rotavirus gastroenteritis in a child
Niccolò Parri1, Letizia Innocenti, Silvia Collini
1Emergency Department, Anna Meyer Pediatric Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50132 Florence, Italy. n.parri@meyer.it
Insights
Rotavirus gastroenteritis can cause acute pancreatitis in children, leading to elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. Further research is needed to confirm rotavirus
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum amylase is a key diagnostic marker for acute pancreatitis.
- Acute gastroenteritis is not commonly associated with hyperamylasemia or pancreatitis.
Observation:
- A previously healthy child developed acute pancreatitis following rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- The diagnosis was confirmed by detecting rotavirus in stool and elevated pancreatic enzymes.
Findings:
- Rotavirus infection was identified as the cause of acute pancreatitis.
- Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels indicated pancreatitis.
- The child recovered fully without lasting effects.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between rotavirus gastroenteritis and acute pancreatitis in children.
- Further studies are warranted to explore the role of rotavirus in pediatric pancreatitis.
- Understanding this association can improve diagnostic approaches for pancreatitis in children.
Objectives:
Serum amylase can be elevated in various pathological conditions, but its primary application is as a biochemical test for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Acute gastroenteritis has not been widely recognized as a cause for hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis.
Methods:
We describe a case of acute pancreatitis after rotavirus gastroenteritis occurring in a previously healthy child.
Results:
Rotavirus infection was demonstrated by detection of virus particles in stool culture and pancreatitis by raised serum amylase and lipase levels. No abnormalities were noticed during clinical follow-up.
Conclusions:
Further investigation to understand the role of rotavirus as a cause of pancreatitis in children may be helpful.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Poliomyelitis
