What is hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis secondary to direct toxicity of free fatty acids (hydrolysis in the presence of excess triglycerides) and to ischemic phenomena.

How is it diagnosed?

Pancreatitis of hypertriglyceridemic origin may be diagnosed in case of serum triglyceride level > 10 mmol/L.

The serum triglyceride level returns to normal quickly after the start of acute pancreatitis.

How is it treated?

Identical treatment to that for classic pancreatitis.

Correction of favouring factors (uncontrolled diabetes, chronic alcoholism, excess weight).

Examination by an endocrinologist to conduct functional analyses, understand the origin of the hypertriglyceridemia, and propose suitable treatment.

Source: Reference Centre for Rare Pancreatic Diseases and Disorders