Severe necrotizing pancreatitis following combined hepatitis A and B vaccination

CMAJ. 2007 Jan 30;176(3):339-42. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.060360.

Abstract

Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe form of pancreatitis and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. We report a case of necrotizing pancreatitis that developed following combined hepatitis A and B vaccination. No other causes of pancreatitis could be determined. Although confirming the diagnosis is challenging, 3 main factors suggest a possible link to the vaccine: the chronology of the events, the patient's human leukocyte antigen genotype and the incongruent immune response to the vaccine components. This report serves to alert physicians to the possible development of necrotizing pancreatitis after vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vaccines, Combined / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Vaccines
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Combined