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Panniculitis associated with a pancreas divisum
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Panniculitis, a form of nodular fat necrosis, can signal underlying chronic pancreatitis. Surgical correction of pancreas divisum resolved symptoms in a unique case, highlighting the need for pancreatic investigation in unexplained panniculitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Chronic abdominal pain is often misdiagnosed, potentially delaying treatment for underlying conditions.
- Panniculitis (nodular fat necrosis) can be a symptom of various systemic diseases, including pancreatic disorders.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old man presented with chronic abdominal pain, initially suspected to be peptic ulcer disease.
- The patient developed panniculitis, prompting a comprehensive investigation into pancreatic pathology.
- Investigations revealed low-grade pancreatitis associated with a congenital anomaly, pancreas divisum.
Findings:
- Surgical treatment of pancreas divisum led to complete resolution of both panniculitis and abdominal pain.
- This case represents the first report of panniculitis leading to the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis with a surgically correctable ductal abnormality.
Implications:
- Unexplained nodular fat necrosis warrants thorough investigation for pancreatic pathology.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management of pancreas divisum can effectively treat associated pancreatitis and panniculitis.
- This case broadens the understanding of panniculitis as a potential indicator of surgically treatable pancreatic conditions.