A case of systemic lupus erythematosus with severe acute pancreatitis

Abstract

 A 39-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed severe acute pancreatitis during a well-controlled disease stage. Treatment with intraarterial injections of antipancreatic enzyme and a small amount of prednisone (20 mg/day) led to remission of the pancreatitis. Disease activity of the SLE did not flare up throughout the course of this treatment. The development of severe acute pancreatitis in SLE is rare. We discuss the cause of pancreatitis in SLE, and whether corticosteroids may induce or improve pancreatitis.

Key words::

• Corticosteroids
• Severe acute pancreatitis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)