Preeclampsia as a cause of pancreatitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is an uncommon but well-described entity in pregnancy and labour, with most cases attributable to biliary disease. Preeclampsia is not an established cause of pancreatitis.

CASE: A 29-year-old woman with preeclampsia and adverse features at 33 weeks' gestation developed pancreatitis during her labour induction. Investigations ruled out known etiologies of pancreatitis. The woman was monitored clinically, biochemically, and radiologically, and underwent a Caesarean delivery of a healthy infant. Both the pancreatitis and preeclampsia resolved rapidly postpartum. Given her benign clinical picture, no specific therapeutic intervention was deemed necessary for the pancreatitis, and she was discharged 5 days postpartum.

CONCLUSION

The clinical course and investigations of this woman suggest that preeclampsia should be considered as a cause of pancreatitis.