Atorvastatin-Associated Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis (AP) occurs when pancreatic enzymes activate within the pancreas, causing damage. In the USA, 210 000 patients are hospitalized annually due to AP. Although statin-induced pancreatitis is rare and often misdiagnosed, it is crucial to investigate, as avoiding the causative medication can prevent attacks. There is conflicting evidence, and further research is needed to determine if statins increase the risk of AP. CASE REPORT In this report, we detail the case of a 48-year-old man with a history of dyslipidemia, for which he was prescribed atorvastatin 40 mg/day as a lipid-lowering agent. He developed acute pancreatitis after using atorvastatin. He initially presented to the emergency room with worsening epigastric pain. Elevated levels of lipase, amylase, and alanine aminotransferases in laboratory tests indicated acute pancreatitis. Given these findings, supportive care was promptly initiated, and atorvastatin, identified as the potential trigger, was discontinued. Notably, the patient had no history of alcohol or tobacco use, and extensive diagnostic efforts ruled out other common causes of acute pancreatitis. The absence of other risk factors reinforced the likelihood that atorvastatin was responsible for his condition, as noted in Table 2. This case underscores the importance of careful monitoring of symptoms and laboratory findings in patients treated with statin medications, particularly when prescribed for dyslipidemia. CONCLUSIONS Documenting such unusual cases could help highlight the potential risks of acute pancreatitis associated with statin use.