Acute pancreatitis after nitrous oxide abuse: A case report

Shanshan Chen1, Linjie Guo2, Yufang Wang2

  • 1West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University Chengdu China.

Summary

Recreational nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse is rising, and can lead to severe health issues. This case highlights acute pancreatitis as a rare but serious complication of N2O intoxication in young adults.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

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...
165
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction

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:
445
2° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO201:20

2° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2

Secondary amines react with nitrous acid to form N-nitrosamines, as depicted in Figure 1. Nitrous acid, a weak and unstable acid, is formed in situ from an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite and strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, in cold conditions. In the presence of an acid, the nitrous acid gets protonated. The subsequent loss of water results in the formation of the electrophile known as nitrosonium ion.
4.5K
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

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...
132
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
122
Acute Respiratory Failure-III01:30

Acute Respiratory Failure-III

Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without...
258