Autoimmune pancreatitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Autoimmune pancreatitis is a difficultto-diagnose condition that can be associated with autoimmune diseases, presenting with significant symptoms such as abdominal pain and jaundice. It requires a thorough evaluation of signs, symptoms, and treatment to establish the diagnosis. Objective: To present the case of a young adult female patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus with multiple complications, who presents with autoimmune pancreatitis and difficult-to-manage pain. Case report: A 20-year-old patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, involving multiple domains such as cutaneous, renal, and serous membranes, presents with autoimmune pancreatitis, associated with imaging and serological findings. She has significant abdominal pain that is difficult to manage despite treatment with multimodal analgesia, showing improvement with the use of corticosteroids. Discussion: Autoimmune pancreatitis is a difficultto-diagnose condition related to autoimmune diseases, with symptoms that can be compatible with different pathologies, whether obstructive or oncological. The clinical presentation of autoimmune pancreatitis can vary and mimic other conditions, underscoring the need for a thorough diagnostic approach. Abdominal pain is one of the symptoms associated with this condition. In our case, the difficult diagnosis and insufficient response to multimodal treatment made it a challenge. The patient showed an excellent response to the use of corticosteroids, which was crucial in establishing the diagnosis. The administration of corticosteroids resulted in significant pain relief, which not only provided symptomatic relief but also served as a crucial diagnostic indicator. Conclusion: We present the case report of a female patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with multi-organ involvement and a presumed diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis, with difficult-to-control abdominal pain requiring multiple analgesic therapies. The marked improvement in pain with the use of corticosteroid therapy was a key diagnostic criterion for this condition. This case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune pancreatitis in patients with autoimmune diseases and the effectiveness of corticosteroids in managing the pain associated with this condition. The experience gained from this case may be valuable for future diagnoses and treatments of patients with similar clinical presentations.