Falciparum malaria-induced acute pancreatitis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Falciparum malaria is a significant cause of acute febrile illness in India.
• Severe malaria, characterized by complications like multiple organ failure, is a known clinical presentation.
• Acute pancreatitis is an exceptionally rare complication associated with malaria.

Observation:

• The case involves a patient presenting with severe falciparum malaria.
• The patient also developed acute pancreatitis, a highly unusual complication.

Findings:

• This report documents a rare instance of acute pancreatitis occurring secondary to severe falciparum malaria.
• The clinical presentation underscores the diverse and severe manifestations of Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Implications:

• Recognizing rare complications like acute pancreatitis is crucial for managing severe malaria cases.
• This case may prompt further investigation into the pathophysiology linking malaria and pancreatic injury.
• Clinicians should consider malaria in the differential diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, especially in endemic regions.