Severe acute pancreatitis with pseudocyst bleeding due to hepatitis E virus infection

Abstract

Coincidence of acute pancreatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is rare. We report a case of severe acute pancreatitis in the course of acute hepatitis E in a 35-year-old man who presented with jaundice for 1 week. Serum was positive for IgM anti-HEV and negative for hepatitis A, B and C viruses. There was upper abdominal tenderness and fullness with absent bowel sounds. A diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made and confirmed with elevated serum lipase 2,032 U/L and amylase 1,287 U/L. Two weeks after admission he had an increase in abdominal pain associated with oliguria and hemodynamic instability. Serum creatinine had increased and hemoglobin had dropped along with metabolic acidosis. Ultrasound showed hemorrhage into the pseudocyst, which was confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan (which also ruled any pseudoaneurysm as the cause of bleed). He was hemodialysed and transfused blood. However, he developed refractory hypotension and did not respond to inotropes. After a rapid downhill course, he did not survive. Hepatitis E virus infection was complicated with the development of acute pancreatitis, which was severe with multiorgan failure and had a fatal outcome.