Hypertriglyceridemia as a rare cause of acute pancreatitis: A case report

Abstract

HTGP, or hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, is an uncommon but important cause of acute pancreatitis that is frequently linked to metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman who had a history of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. She developed severe HTGP, which was further complicated by portal vein thrombosis and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). She was initially treated for DKA after being admitted with severe gastric discomfort and metabolic acidosis. However, HTGP was diagnosed due to consistently high triglyceride values (1426 mg/dL). Imaging revealed vascular problems and relatively severe pancreatitis. Following treatment with insulin, fibrate medication, and anticoagulation, the patient's triglycerides significantly decreased and their clinical condition improved. This case emphasizes the significance of early detection and focused treatment in HTGP as well as the diagnostic difficulties presented by overlapping metabolic disorders. Treatment is made more difficult by the interaction of DKA and HTGP, which calls for a multidisciplinary strategy. Our case example adds to the increasing amount of research highlighting the necessity of tailored lipid-lowering plans and careful metabolic monitoring in order to avoid recurrence and enhance patient outcomes.

Keywords: Hypertriglyceridemia, Acute Pancreatitis, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Insulin Infusion, Fibrate Therapy

Citation: Sultan A, Shamim F, Rashid S. Hypertriglyceridemia as a rare cause of acute pancreatitis: A case report, Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(9):1313-16. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i9.3072

Received: November 25, 2025; Revised: November 26, 2025; Accepted: November 30, 2025