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Published on: May 28, 2019
A case of contrast-induced pancreatitis following cardiac catheterization
Rony Gorges1, Wael Ghalayini, Marcel Zughaib
1Providence Hospital, GME, 16001 W Mile 9 Road, Southfield, MI 48075 USA. ghalayinimd@gmail.com.
Insights
Radiographic contrast agents (RCAs) can cause acute kidney injury and may induce pancreatitis. This case highlights the rare possibility of immediate acute pancreatitis following coronary angiography, emphasizing its consideration in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US.
- Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are crucial for managing acute coronary syndromes.
- Known complications of coronary angiography include allergic reactions, vascular issues, stroke, and kidney injury.
Observation:
- Radiographic contrast agents (RCAs) are linked to acute kidney injury.
- Experimental models suggest RCAs can induce pancreatitis.
- This report details a patient experiencing acute pancreatitis immediately after coronary angiography.
Findings:
- The use of RCAs has been associated with poorer outcomes in patients with existing pancreatitis.
- The exact mechanism of RCA-induced pancreatitis remains unclear.
- Acute pancreatitis following coronary angiography is an extremely rare but possible adverse event.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider RCA-induced pancreatitis in patients presenting with acute pancreatitis post-angiography.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of RCA-induced pancreatitis.
- This rare complication warrants consideration in the differential diagnosis for pancreatitis after cardiac procedures.
Abstract:
Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. Angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are an integral part in management of acute coronary syndromes. Well-defined complications of coronary angiography include allergic and anaphylactic reactions, vascular access complications, stroke, and contrast-induced kidney injury. Radiographic contrast agents (RCAs) are known to cause acute kidney injury. RCAs are also postulated to induce pancreatitis in experimental animal models. We present a patient with acute pancreatitis immediately following coronary angiography. Recent studies have described that the use of RCA is associated with worse prognosis in patients with ongoing pancreatitis. The pathophysiology of RCA-induced pancreatitis is poorly understood. Although extremely rare, RCA-induced pancreatitis should be considered in the appropriate clinical setting.
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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:
