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International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Acute Pancreatitis | Case report

Recurrent acute pancreatitis during a ketogenic diet—a case report and literature review

Authors: Joseph Choi, Tayler L. Young, Lucas B. Chartier

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The ketogenic (“keto”) diet has been gaining more attention lately in the medical literature and the lay media as a potentially effective method for weight control and management of type 2 diabetes. Though rare, there have been case reports of serious side effects. Here, we present a peculiar case of pancreatitis presumably associated with the ketogenic diet.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old man on a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet presented to the emergency department with weekly abdominal pain on Monday mornings, each time after dietary indiscretions (“cheat days”) on the weekend. It was found that he had a clinical presentation consistent with acute pancreatitis with no associated alcohol use, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatic obstruction, or other anatomic abnormalities. The patient’s symptoms resolved with conservative management and progressive reintroduction of a standard diet.

Conclusion

This case indicates that the ketogenic diet could lower the threshold for acute pancreatitis, and that an episodic stressor may trigger an acute attack in the absence of traditional risk factors.

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Title: Recurrent acute pancreatitis during a ketogenic diet—a case report and literature review
Authors: Joseph Choi
Tayler L. Young
Lucas B. Chartier
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Acute Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-021-00374-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Recurrent acute pancreatitis during a ketogenic diet—a case report and literature review

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

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