Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
06:35
Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: June 28, 2021
4.3K
Pseudohyponatraemia caused by acute pancreatitis-derived hypertriglyceridaemia
Rasmus Søgaard Hansen1, Jesper Revsholm2, Mohammad Motawea3
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark rasmussoegaardhansen@gmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|April 20, 2021
Summary
Pseudohyponatraemia, a false low sodium level, was identified in a patient with severe hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis. Prompt treatment with plasmapheresis normalized sodium levels, revealing the pseudohyponatraemia
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Severe hypertriglyceridaemia can lead to acute pancreatitis.
- Pseudohyponatraemia is a laboratory artifact that can mimic true hyponatraemia.
Observation:
- A woman in her late 30s presented with severe hyponatraemia (116 mmol/L) and acute pancreatitis.
- A significant discrepancy between arterial and venous sodium levels was noted.
- The patient exhibited severe hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia.
Findings:
- CT scan confirmed acute pancreatitis.
- Plasmapheresis effectively reduced triglyceride levels.
- Normalization of venous plasma sodium confirmed pseudohyponatraemia.
- Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus was diagnosed via elevated haemoglobin A1c (83 mmol/mol).
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing pseudohyponatraemia in the context of severe hypertriglyceridaemia and acute pancreatitis.
- Early identification and management of underlying conditions like diabetes are crucial.
- Plasmapheresis can be an effective treatment for severe hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
793
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
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:
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:
793
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
391
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
391
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
406
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
406
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
160
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
160
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
238
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
238
01:17Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology
813
Gastritis is marked by disruption of the mucosal barrier that usually protects the stomach tissue from digestive juices and manifests in acute and chronic forms.
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
813