Korean J Med.  2005 Aug;69(2):197-201.

A case of acute hyperlipidemic pancreatitis in a patient suspected of familial combined hyperlipidemia

• Kim YJ
• Kim HJ
• Kim HC
• Kim SJ
• Park SH

Abstract

It is well recognized that there is an association between hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis. However, it is not so easy to define clearly whether lipid abnormalities are the cause or the result of pancreatitis. Generally, a serum level of more than 1,000 mg/dL of triglyceride is an identifiable risk factor of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis in patients with type I, IV, or V hyperlipidemia classified by Fredrick's criteria. The clinical course as well as the management of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis is not different from that of pancreatitis of other causes. A thorough family history of lipid abnormalities should be obtained and an attempt to identify secondary causes should be made. The mainstay of treatment includes dietary restriction of fat and lipid-lowering medications. In Korea, there have been reported several cases of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis but familial history of hyperlipidemia has never been identified. We experienced a case of acute type IV hyperlipidemic pancreatitis in a patient suspected of familial combined hyperlipidemia. So, we report this case with the review of related literature.

Keyword

Hyperlipidemic pancreatitis; Familial combined hyperlipidemia

MeSH Terms

Humans
Hyperlipidemia, Familial Combined*
Hyperlipidemias
Korea
Pancreatitis*
Risk Factors
Triglycerides