Ascites in the puerperium: a missed diagnosis of acute postpartum pancreatitis.
BACKGROUND
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is often associated with severe morbidity. It is usually an antepartum problem occurring in late pregnancy. It rarely occurs in the postpartum period and when it does diagnosis can be difficult.


METHODS
We report a case of 'unexplained' ascites following ventouse delivery, diagnosed 6 weeks later as acute pancreatitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although it is rare, acute pancreatitis must be considered when evaluating patients presenting with abdominal pain and/or ascites in the postpartum period. Serum amylase may not always be elevated and early recourse to CT scan will facilitate diagnosis and allow for appropriate management.
Gyang
Anthony
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Constable Wing, Colchester General Hospital, Turner road, Colchester, CO4 5JL, UK.
Kalu
Emmanuel
E
Fakokunde
Abiodun
A
Whitlow
Barry
B
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D015242:Ofloxacin; D017291:Clarithromycin