Gallstone pancreatitis in pediatric patients--a common disease in an uncommon population
Rossi, D.C.; Burbandi, K.; Vaughan, R.; Kumar, T.
West Virginia Medical Journal 105(2): 13-15
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3284 PMID: 19271693 Document Number: 632402
Pancreatitis remains an uncommon entity in the pediatric population. Pediatric pancreatitis generally follows an inciting traumatic event or anatomic abnormality. Unlike the adult population, cholelithiasis and alcohol are rare causes. During a five-month period in 2006, we encountered four cases of gallstone pancreatitis in pediatric patients, all of whom presented with recurrent abdominal pain and emesis. Laboratory testing revealed an elevated lipase. Imaging studies including ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) showed cholelithiasis. Each patient underwent a normal intraoperative cholangiogram and subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis.