Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Associated Acute Pancreatitis

Patient selection: systemic lupus erythematosus

The onset is more prevalent early in the course of the disease.

Pathogenesis:

(1) vasculitis

(2) thrombosis of arteries associated with antiphospholipid antibodies

(3) therapy-related (azathioprine, corticosteroids, other)

(4) other causes of pancreatitis (gallstone, other)

Clinical presentation:

(1) abdominal pain

(2) elevated serum amylase and lipase

Necrotizing pancreatitis can occur and is associated with a poor outcome.

The diagnosis of vasculitis is associated with deposition of immune complexes in the walls of pancreatic arteries.