Minocycline-Induced Acute Pancreatitis With Cyst Formation in a Young Man

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Drug-induced acute pancreatitis is a known adverse effect of certain medications.
• Tetracyclines, including minocycline, are occasionally implicated in pancreatitis, typically mild to moderate.

Observation:

• An 18-year-old male developed severe acute pancreatitis with nausea and abdominal pain after six days of minocycline treatment for urethritis.
• Standard pancreatitis etiologies were excluded, leading to a diagnosis of minocycline-induced pancreatitis.
• Imaging revealed a 4-cm pancreatic tail cyst, which resolved over 12 weeks.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of severe minocycline-induced acute pancreatitis accompanied by pancreatic cyst formation.
• The patient's pancreatitis and cyst resolved after minocycline discontinuation and symptomatic treatment.

Implications:

• Minocycline can induce severe acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts, a previously undocumented complication.
• Clinicians should consider minocycline as a potential cause of severe pancreatitis, especially when other etiologies are ruled out.
• Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial when prescribing minocycline.