Summary
Background. Acute pancreatitis develops due to the inflammation of the pancreatic and peripancreatic tissues of enzymatic origin, commonly caused by alcohol consumption, gall blad der and bile duct stones and hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis, accounting for 1 to 14% cases. Triglyceride levels exceeding 11.3 mmol/L have been associated with a significantly higher risk for developing hypertriglyceridemia- induced pancreatitis. The exact mechanism of the disease is not fully understood. Increased levels of free fatty acids and chylomicrons can lead to elevation of plasma viscosity, which may result in pancreatictis sueischemia and inflammation. The main clinical symptoms of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (pain, nausea, vomiting) are usually in dis tin guish able from a pancreatitis of any other origin. It is essential to identify the cause of pancreatitis and initiate an appropriate treatment plan to prevent further organ damage.
Clinical case. This article presents a clinical case of a 44-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital complaining with 9 days of persistent abdominal pain and nausea. Laboratory tests showed in creased inflammatory markers, slightly el e vated lipase and hyper triglyceridemia. Radiological examination revealed signs of acute pancreatitis. The patient was diagnosed with acute hypertriglyceridemia- induced pancreatitis, and the specific therapy with plasmapheresis was initiated. In the course of treatment, triglyceride levels significantly decreased, and the patient’s condition improved considerably.
Conclusions. Hypertriglyceridemia is one of the reasons for acute pancreatitis. It is essential to initiate specific therapies tailored to lower serum triglycerides levels (plasmapheresis, intravenous insulin, and fibrates) along with standard (infusion therapy, analgesia, diet) treatment to prevent further organ damage.
