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Acute pancreatitis with pulmonary embolism: A case report
Xue-Ling Fu1, Fa-Ke Liu2, Ming-Dong Li3
1Emergency Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China.
World Journal of Clinical Cases
|February 15, 2021
Summary
Acute pancreatitis (AP) can lead to rare vascular complications like pulmonary embolism (PE). Monitoring D-dimer levels is crucial for early detection and treatment in AP patients, especially the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a critical digestive disease with potential complications.
- Vascular complications, though rare, contribute to mortality in AP.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an exceptionally rare complication of AP, particularly in elderly patients.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old female presented with AP and subsequently developed dyspnea, respiratory failure, and right heart failure.
- Initial chest imaging was inconclusive for the cause of refractory hypoxemia.
- Lower extremity venous thrombosis and pulmonary hypertension were identified, leading to a diagnosis of PE.
Findings:
- The patient's dyspnea resolved following anticoagulation therapy for PE.
- Elevated D-dimer and fibrin degradation products indicated thrombotic events.
- CT angiography confirmed pulmonary thromboembolism as the cause of respiratory distress.
Implications:
- Dynamic monitoring of D-dimer is essential during AP management.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for PE in AP patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of PE can improve outcomes in complicated AP cases.
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