Acetaminophen-induced acute pancreatitis: A case report and literature review

• Published in: World journal of clinical cases Vol. 6; no. 9; pp. 291 - 295
• Main Authors: He, Ya-Hong, Lu, Lei, Wang, Yu-Fang, Huang, Jin-Song, Zhu, Wei-Qin, Guo, Yan, Li, Chun-Xia, Li, Hua-Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Baishideng Publishing Group Inc 06.09.2018
• Subjects: Case Report; Cholangiopancreatography; Acute pancreatitis; Acetaminophen; Drug-induced acute pancreatitis; Pancreatitis
• ISSN: 2307-8960; 2307-8960
• DOI: 10.12998/WJCC.V6.I9.291

Acute pancreatitis is rarely associated with drugs. Acetaminophen overdose is a well-known cause of hepatic toxicity, but drug-induced pancreatitis is rarely reported, especially after mild overdose. A 32-year-old woman presented with nausea and vomiting for 12 h, but no abdominal pain following an overdose of eight Tylenol tablets containing acetaminophen (325 mg acetaminophen per tablet). Laboratory results on admission showed abnormal amylase and lipase levels but completely normal liver function. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed mild swelling of the pancreas without fluid collection around the pancreas. The patient complained of severe abdominal pain five days after admission when attempting to drink water and liquids. Eight days after admission, fluid around the pancreas was observed by computed tomography. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with acetaminophen-induced acute pancreatitis after exclusion of common causes. Routine treatment for pancreatitis and N-acetylcysteine were administered to prevent disease progression. The patient was discharged in good condition.