Autoimmune pancreatitis complicated by gastric varices: a report of 3 cases.

TitleAutoimmune pancreatitis complicated by gastric varices: a report of 3 cases.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsGoto N, Mimura J, Itani T, Hayashi M, Shimada Y, Matsumori T
JournalWorld J Gastroenterol
Volume18
Issue31
Pagination4228-32
Date Published2012 Aug 21
ISSN2219-2840
KeywordsAged, Autoimmune Diseases, Esophageal and Gastric Varices, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Pancreatitis, Splenic Vein, Splenomegaly, Steroids, Time Factors, Treatment Outcome
Abstract

We present three cases of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) complicated by gastric varices. Case 1: A 57-year-old man was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices and splenic vein obstruction. Splenomegaly was not detected at the time of the diagnosis. The AIP improved using steroid therapy, the splenic vein was reperfused, and the gastric varices disappeared; case 2: A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices, splenic vein obstruction, and splenomegaly. Although the AIP improved using steroid therapy, the gastric varices and splenic vein obstruction did not resolve; case 3: A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices, splenic vein obstruction, and splenomegaly. The gastric varices, splenic vein obstruction, and AIP did not improve using steroid therapy. These three cases suggest that gastric varices or splenic vein obstruction without splenomegaly may be an indication for steroid therapy in patients with AIP because the complications will likely become irreversible over time.

DOI10.3748/wjg.v18.i31.4228
Alternate JournalWorld J Gastroenterol
PubMed ID22919259
PubMed Central IDPMC3422807