Cholesterolosis as a cause of acute pancreatitis

ABSTRACT

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas manifesting with abdominal pain and elevated serum levels of pancreatic enzymes. Gallstones and chronic alcohol use are the most commonly described causes. A less studied cause is cholesterolosis, gallbladder polyps that cause mechanical obstruction of the sphincter of Oddi. Here, we present the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with acute pancreatitis and was found to have cholesterol polyps in her gallbladder with no evidence of gallstones. The patient underwent cholecystectomy with complete resolution of her symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

• Acute pancreatitis
• biliary sludge
• cholesterolosis
• gallstone pancreatitis