SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Cannabis-Induced Pancreatitis: An Increasingly Prevalent Condition

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This case report describes a 42-year-old man with acute pancreatitis likely induced by heavy daily marijuana use. He presented with three days of worsening epigastric pain radiating to the back, repeated vomiting, and inability to tolerate food or liquids. He denied significant alcohol use, tobacco use, trauma, gallstones, or hyperlipidemia. Exam showed epigastric tenderness, and labs revealed leukocytosis and elevated lipase. CT imaging demonstrated enlargement and heterogeneity of the pancreatic head and neck, consistent with pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasound showed no gallstones, and liver enzymes and bilirubin were normal, helping rule out common causes.<br /><br />He was treated with IV lactated Ringer’s, antiemetics, and analgesics, and improved significantly within 24 hours.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that cannabis use should be considered an increasingly recognized cause of acute pancreatitis, especially when standard causes are absent. Literature cited in the paper suggests that stopping marijuana use may prevent recurrence in more than half of patients. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, the authors note that CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are present in the pancreas, and CB1 activation may contribute to pancreatic fibrosis. The case supports growing evidence that cannabis can be a risk factor for pancreatitis and highlights the importance of asking about marijuana use in patients with otherwise unexplained pancreatic inflammation.

Asset Subtitle

Matthew G. Scott

Meta Tag

Author List Georgina Osorio, Matthew G. Scott, Megan E. Paul, Raj Grewal, Shabari M. Shenoy, Shiv Krishnaswamy

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Marijuana Use

Concept Acute Pancreatitis

Concept Epigastric Pain

Concept Substance Use History

Concept Cannabis Cessation

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital

Presenting Author Matthew G. Scott

Track Adult

Keywords

acute pancreatitis

marijuana use

cannabis-induced pancreatitis

epigastric pain

elevated lipase

pancreatic inflammation

CT imaging

gallstones ruled out

cannabinoid receptors

IV lactated Ringer’s

Marijuana Use

Acute Pancreatitis

Epigastric Pain

Substance Use History

Cannabis Cessation