Acute pancreatitis associated with amoebic liver abscess

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is a common liver infection, typically treated with antibiotics.
• Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, with various known causes.
• The co-occurrence of ALA and acute pancreatitis has not been previously documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a rare case of acute pancreatitis occurring in a patient with ALA.
• To describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of this unique case.
• To raise awareness of this potential, albeit rare, complication.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 50-year-old male patient.
• Clinical assessment including laboratory tests (lipase, amylase) and imaging.
• Management involved aspiration of the liver abscess and conservative treatment with antibiotics.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a right lobe liver abscess and elevated pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase).
• Imaging revealed an edematous pancreas, consistent with acute pancreatitis.
• The patient successfully recovered with conservative management and antibiotics without complications.

Conclusions:

• Acute pancreatitis may be a rare complication of amoebic liver abscess.
• This case highlights the importance of considering pancreatitis in patients with ALA presenting with abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes.
• Further research is needed to understand the potential mechanisms linking ALA and pancreatitis.