Acute Pancreatitis in Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon complication in pregnancy. Here we present a case of 24-year-old gravda 2 para 1 woman with an acute abdominal pain in her 24-week period of gestation. Her laboratory reports suggested the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. However, the root cause was unidentifiable through various investigations. She was accordingly managed. Acute pancreatitis during pregnancy is rare with incidence ranging from 1 in 1,000 to 10,000. Gall stones remains the main causative factor. The exact etiology in some cases cannot be identified and hence they are referred as idiopathic pancreatitis. Although computed tomography is the gold standard investigation of choice for acute pancreatitis, they are not done routinely and ultrasonography is the safe investigation of choice especially among the pregnant patients. This investigation along with assessment of serum amylase or lipase and other enzymes can be done to diagnose the disease. Treatment includes conservative management to surgical intervention. Here, we have discussed the diagnosis of an acute pancreatitis in pregnancy and the treatment of the condition.
Keywords: Case Report; idiopathic; pancreatitis; pregnancy.