Acute Pancreatitis Linked to COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Case Study

Overview

This report details a case of acute pancreatitis in a 59-year-old woman with a complex medical history, including chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and COVID-19 pneumonia. The diagnosis was supported by elevated serum amylase/lipase levels and CT findings of peripancreatic inflammation.

Background

Acute pancreatitis can arise from various causes, with some studies suggesting a potential link to COVID-19 infection. Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and acute pancreatitis is crucial, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• A 59-year-old woman with a history of malignancy and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis developed acute pancreatitis following COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was confirmed by elevated serum amylase/lipase and CT imaging showing peripancreatic inflammation.
• The patient had a complex medical history, including previous surgeries and irregular treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Post-procedural complications included massive hemoptysis requiring mechanical ventilation.
• Diagnostic challenges were noted in patients with overlapping infections and structural lung disease.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for acute pancreatitis in patients with COVID-19, especially those with complex medical histories.

Conclusion

This case illustrates complications of COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with pre-existing lung conditions.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Multimodal interventional bronchoscopy for chronic pulmonary Aspergillus infection with post-tubercular bronchial occlusion: a case report
2. Intensive Care Medicine, 2023 -- Increased Risk of Pneumopleural Fistula Linked to COVID-19-Related Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA)
3. Infection, 2020 -- Cholangitis Due to Aspergillus fumigatus in a Cholangiocarcinoma Patient: A Case Study and Literature Review
4. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2022 -- Clinical Features and Mortality of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Brazil: a Multicenter Cohort Study
5. International Association of Pancreatology, 2025 -- Revised Guidelines on Acute Pancreatitis
6. International Association of Pancreatology Revised Guidelines on Acute Pancreatitis 2025: Supported and Endorsed by the American Pancreatic Association, European Pancreatic Club, Indian Pancreas Club, and Japan Pancreas Society - PubMed
7. Heterogeneity in the incidence and mortality of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis among ICU patients without hematological disorders: A systematic review, subgroup meta-analysis, and meta-regression - ScienceDirect
8. CIRSE Standards of Practice on Bronchial Artery Embolisation - PMC