Pancreatitis with Intraabdominal Venous Thrombosis as an Initial Presentation of Parathyroid Adenoma: A Rare Clinical Presentation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Benign parathyroid adenoma is a cause of hypercalcemia, which can lead to acute pancreatitis. Patients with acute pancreatitis are at risk for venous thrombosis. This report describes a 34-year-old woman with hypercalcemia due to parathyroid adenoma and acute pancreatitis associated with splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. CASE REPORT A previously healthy 34-year-old woman presented with severe epigastric pain that radiated to the back, associated with vomiting. Her abdominal examination was soft and lax, with epigastric and left upper quadrant tenderness. Pancreatitis with splenic and superior mesenteric veins thrombosis was diagnosed. The diagnosis was confirmed by an elevated serum lipase level and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of abdomen. Her serum calcium level was elevated. However, further workup revealed elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and radiological imaging showed parathyroid adenoma. She was diagnosed with hypercalcemia-induced pancreatitis secondary to hyperparathyroidism with intraabdominal venous thrombosis. The patient was initially treated conservatively, and later underwent parathyroidectomy after her condition was stabilized. The patient is currently in good condition, after a 2-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Acute pancreatitis and thrombosis secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are rare, but can lead to potentially fatal complications, especially in patients without symptoms of PHPT. This report highlights the importance of recognizing that hypercalcemia associated with parathyroid adenoma can result in acute pancreatitis, leading to hypercoagulable states and inflammation of adjacent vessels, including the splenic and mesenteric veins. To the best of our knowledge, this is second case report of acute pancreatitis with intraabdominal venous thrombosis secondary to PHPT.