Pancreatitis aguda con enzimas pancreáticas normales en un niño: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura.

Acute Pancreatitis with Normal Pancreatic Enzymes in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review

Resumen

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) in children is classically diagnosed based on abdominal pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes, and compatible imaging findings. However, normal serum amylase and lipase levels do not rule out the diagnosis. Case report: An 11-year-old boy with functional constipation presented with severe epigastric pain of two days' duration. Serum amylase (73.82 U/L) and lipase (13.70 U/L) levels were within normal ranges. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a prominent pancreas consistent with edematous AP. He received conservative management with favorable outcome and was discharged on day 11. Conclusion: Normal serum amylase and lipase levels do not exclude AP in children. When clinical suspicion is high, abdominal CT is crucial for timely diagnosis.