Acute Pancreatitis as a Trigger for Thrombotic Microangiopathy: A Case Report

Francisco Adragão1, Inês Nabais2, Rúben Reis3

  • 1Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Do Algarve - Unidade Hospitalar de Portimão, Portimão, PRT.

Cureus
|January 7, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious condition causing microvascular occlusion. This report details a rare case of secondary HUS in a 30-year-old male presenting with acute pancreatitis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) encompass disorders like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
  • HUS is characterized by microvascular occlusion, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and potential organ dysfunction, notably acute kidney injury.
  • Causes of HUS include Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, complement abnormalities, and secondary conditions.

Observation:

  • A 30-year-old male presented with acalculous acute pancreatitis.
  • The patient was diagnosed with secondary hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
  • This presentation represents a rare occurrence of secondary HUS associated with pancreatitis.

Findings:

  • The case highlights a rare association between secondary HUS and acalculous acute pancreatitis.
  • Early diagnosis and swift management are crucial for potentially fatal conditions like HUS.
  • Plasmapheresis is a key treatment in severe HUS cases, demonstrating favorable outcomes.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of secondary HUS presentations.
  • It underscores the importance of considering HUS in patients with unexplained pancreatitis and TMA features.
  • Further research into the mechanisms linking pancreatitis and secondary HUS may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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