Acute pancreatitis in children and rotavirus infection. Description of a case and minireview

Abstract

This report describes a case of acute pancreatitis in a 2-year-old boy following rotavirus gastroenteritis. Its characteristics are analyzed and discussed in the light of another 4 cases of pancreatitis associated with rotavirus infection found through a systematic review of the international literature. None of the five children underwent surgery or was referred to an intensive care unit and all 5 children recovered with normalization of pancreatic enzymes within 5-10 days. The pathogenesis of this rare complication remains unsettled, and its actual incidence may be higher than reported. Although acute pancreatitis associated with rotavirus gastroenteritis seems to be a mild disease, attention must be paid by the pediatrician fearing possible complications. Rotavirus infection should be amended to the differential diagnosis panel of pancreatitis in toddlers.