SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Severe Acute Pancreatitis With a Complicated Hospital Course

Pdf Summary

This case report describes a 36-year-old man with alcohol use disorder and recurrent pancreatitis who was admitted with acute interstitial pancreatitis triggered by heavy alcohol use and severe hypertriglyceridemia (2,500 mg/dL). Although he was initially hemodynamically stable and had a BISAP score of 0, suggesting a very low predicted mortality risk, his course rapidly became complicated.<br /><br />Treatment began with aggressive pain control, IV fluids, and an insulin drip to reduce triglycerides. Despite this, he developed multiple serious complications over the hospital stay, including necrotizing pancreatitis, splanchnic vein thrombosis, biliary obstruction requiring drainage, and Candida bacteremia. His condition further deteriorated when he suffered hepatic artery hemorrhage, leading to circulatory collapse, acute liver and kidney failure, and death.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that acute pancreatitis can be deceptively severe. While many patients have mild disease, about 20% develop moderate to severe pancreatitis with high risk for organ failure, complications, and death. This case illustrates that even patients who appear low-risk at presentation can experience a volatile and fatal clinical trajectory.

Asset Subtitle

Ameer Ahmed

Meta Tag

Author List Ameer Ahmed, Jack Badawy

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Acute Pancreatitis

Concept Multiorgan failure

Concept Pancreatic Enzymes

Concept Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Concept Abdominal Pain

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Texas Health, San Antonio

Presenting Author Ameer Ahmed

Track Adult

Keywords

acute pancreatitis

alcohol use disorder

hypertriglyceridemia

necrotizing pancreatitis

splanchnic vein thrombosis

biliary obstruction

Candida bacteremia

hepatic artery hemorrhage

organ failure

case report

Acute Pancreatitis

Multiorgan failure

Pancreatic Enzymes

Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Abdominal Pain