Recurrent seasonal severe hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis; a case report

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious inflammatory condition of the pancreas. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is considered an uncommon cause of AP. The current study aims to present a unique case of recurrent seasonal severe HTG-induced AP (HTG-AP); treated with insulin and heparin.

A 36-year-old male presented with recurrent attacks of severe upper abdominal pain that was radiating to the back and associated with repeated vomiting. The condition has being occurring every autumn-winter for the last three years. He had thalassemia minor and had a history of HTG-AP. His TG levels were relatively normal from February to August; however, from September to February, his TG levels highly elevated which has resulted in HTG-AP every year for the past three years. The condition was confirmed via a contrast-enhanced computerized tomography scan of the abdomen. To prevent the next HTG-AP, his TG level was monitored monthly. When TG levels spiked again, the patient was put on an insulin infusion with heparin, glucose, and potassium to rapidly reduce TG level. After two days, serum TG was dramatically reduced (<500 mg/dL).

Despite multiple theories being proposed, the pathogenesis of HTG-AP is yet to be understood. Usually, HTG-AP is a single episodic, and recurrent HTG-AP is considered uncommon finding. Previous reports are contradictory regarding TG level and seasonal variation. There is currently no standard management approach to treat HTG-AP cases.

HTG-AP rarely reoccurs on an annual basis, and seasonal variation seems to play a major role in its onset. The condition can be managed with insulin, heparin, and glucose infusions.