Postpartum pancreatitis in young female – a rare case in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is a condition that leads to multiple organ failure syndromes if not diagnosed and treated correctly. The most frequent causes of acute pancreatitis are gallstones, alcohol consumption, and elevated triglyceride serum level.

Case Presentation: A 21-year-old female presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and diaphoresis. The patient had a non-complicated vaginal birth four months prior, had no personal history of illness, reported no alcohol consumption, and had a slender body constitution. Laboratory tests outlined a white blood cell count of 22.000/µL, elevated neutrophil count, lactate dehydrogenase 294 U/L, and lipemic serum sample reported for chemistry laboratory test. In addition, the contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed severe pancreatitis, with an intraabdominal fluid collection. 

Conclusions: This case report highlights the importance of correct early diagnosis in the postpartum and late postpartum period and raises awareness concerning the possibility of acute pancreatitis in a postpartum woman even if she does not have the two most common risk factors: gallstones or alcohol consumption.