Atorvastatin-induced acute pancreatitis.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Statins, like atorvastatin, are widely prescribed for hyperlipidemia.
• Adverse drug reactions associated with statin therapy are increasingly reported.
• Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but serious potential side effect.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old patient developed acute pancreatitis (AP) during monotherapy with atorvastatin.
• Diagnostic workup excluded other common causes of AP.
• Pancreatitis symptoms resolved completely after discontinuation of atorvastatin.

Findings:

• This case suggests a potential causal relationship between atorvastatin monotherapy and acute pancreatitis.
• The resolution of AP upon drug withdrawal supports atorvastatin as the etiological agent.
• This report adds to the limited literature on statin-induced pancreatitis.

Implications:

• Increased clinical awareness of atorvastatin-induced AP is warranted.
• Physicians should consider statins in the differential diagnosis of unexplained AP.
• Further case reporting is crucial for understanding and managing this rare adverse effect.