•  
  •  

Home > Computing, Health and Science > JEPHC > Vol. 7 (2009) > Iss. 1

 

Abstract

Objectives Acute severe pancreatitis has a high mortality rate (10 to 30 %) and the aetiology of the pancreatitis itself influences the severity assessment and ultimately the treatment.1 Up to 20% of cases of acute pancreatitis are said to be due to unusual causes such as viral infection, trauma and drugs. However to date, there have been no reports in the literature of ureteric obstruction and infection causing acute pancreatitis.

Methods We report on a case of a 77-year-old male who presented to the Emergency Department with acute pancreatitis occurring in the setting of an obstructed and infected right urinary system.

Results We outline the pathway to diagnosis and management in this patient and highlight the difficulties associated with reaching an accurate diagnosis in the acute setting.

Conclusions We report on this unusual case of acute pancreatitis in the emergency setting. By illustrating this case we aim to promote awareness of and encourage clinicians to consider ureteric obstruction as a possible cause of acute pancreatitis, in their workup of patients in the emergency department.

Author Biography

Mariolyn Raj is a surgeon in-training based in Melbourne.

After completing her undergraduate medical degree she worked extensively in numerous surgical subspecialties within Victoria and interstate. She is actively involved in research and medical education.


Download

Share

COinS