Pancreatitis induced by codeine: a case report with positive rechallenge

Abstract

A woman who developed acute pancreatitis following ingestion of low dose codeine, with positive rechallenge, is described. As this is the first case report of pancreatitis being induced solely by codeine, this side effect must be rare in view of the widespread consumption of this drug.

Figure 1

: Temporal relation between ingestion of codeine and alterations in serum amylase and lipase during the two episodes (A, first episode; B, second episode) of acute pancreatitis.

Figure 2

: CT scan of abdomen showing an enlarged and heterogeneous pancreas with necrosis of the tail and involvement of the left kidney.

Figure 3

: Pancreatogram performed one month after discharge showing a normal pancreatic duct.