Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to increase awareness of tigecycline-associated pancreatitis, specifically in patients who may be predisposed to develop pancreatitis.
Case summary: A 22-year-old male with cystic fibrosis developed acute bronchitis, with sputum cultures significant for Mycobacterium chelonae. He was started on tigecycline on two separate occasions, in each case developing pancreatitis as evidenced by symptomatology, elevated pancreatic enzymes and, in one case, by CT imaging. On both occasions, symptomatology improved and enzymes normalized after discontinuation of tigecycline.
Discussion: Current literature including two recent review pieces is discussed. The unique aspects of the case are highlighted, including the particular risk of drug-associated pancreatitis in those with cystic fibrosis.
Conclusion: The results of this case, in the context of current literature, suggest that clinicians should be aware of the potential for pancreatitis when using tigecycline. Clinicians should be particularly mindful of this complication in patients with comorbidities that might increase the risk of pancreatitis above that of the general population.
Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Pancreatitis; Tigecycline.
Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.