ACUTE PANCREATITIS AND INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON

Aims The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide; it has become a major health problem even in low to middle income countries. Intragastric balloon (IGB) has been confirmed as an effective weight loss treatment. We aim to present a case of acute pancreatitis following IGB insertion.

Methods We present a case of a 25-year-old male, admitted at our emergency department with acute onset of epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, one month after IGB insertion.

Results The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made based on the clinical picture, with radiological and laboratory confirmation, after excluding other causes. Abdominal MRI demonstrated evidence of pancreatitis with minimal fluid and inflammation of peripancreatic fat. There were evidence of IGB compressing the body and tail of the pancreas. Despite conservative treatment, patient’s symptoms and laboratory markers improved only after endoscopic IGB removal. Endoscopic placement of IGB is considered safe compared to surgical treatment of obesity. Pancreatitis may be due to IGB pancreatic compression and/or dislodgement of the catheter into the second part of the duodenum.In our patient, acute pancreatitis developed due to the mass effect of IGB on the pancreas, and no migration. The symptoms improved, lipase and amylase returned to normal levels after IGB removal.

Fig. 1

Conclusions IGB-induced pancreatitis is a rare but significant complication. Pancreatic compression appears to be the most important causing factor. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriate definitive treatment.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022