Acute necrotizing pancreatitis caused by ampullary cancer: a case report

J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Sep 12;2024(9):rjae575. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjae575. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Ampullary malignancies are extremely rare tumors that are usually diagnosed when they cause biliary obstruction. Rarely, any tumor or mass near or within the pancreas can cause acute pancreatitis and on even rarer occasions, these tumors can cause severe complications such as acute peripancreatic fluid collections, necrotizing pancreatitis, and infections. As a medical team, we must embrace these difficulties and these dreadful scenarios, as they are opportunities for growth for the medical team and opportunities to save even more patients. We present the case of a 59-year-old male who suddenly presented acute severe pancreatitis with necrosis and infection due to an ampullary mass. After recovery, he was referred to a tertiary center, where his cancer was successfully treated.

Keywords: acute pancreatitis; ampullary cancers; necrotizing pancreatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports