Pancreatic encephalopathy (PE) is a rare but severe neurological complication of acute pancreatitis, characterized by cerebral edema and disruption of the blood–brain barrier due to systemic inflammation and the release of pancreatic enzymes. The pathophysiology involves a complex interplay of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, leading to neuronal damage. Clinically, PE presents with a spectrum of neurological symptoms, often indistinct from other encephalopathies, making diagnosis challenging. It is typically identified through clinical correlation and neuroimaging studies. Management of PE is primarily supportive, focusing on the treatment of underlying pancreatitis and its systemic effects. Supportive care, such as fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, and antibiotics, is essential. Despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis for PE is generally poor, with high mortality rates often due to multiple organ failure. Long‐term outcomes are variable, with some patients experiencing chronic symptoms affecting quality of life. This is the case of a 28‐year‐old man who presented with unresponsiveness, who was eventually diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis with PE. This case report explores the distinct pathophysiology of PE compared to other encephalopathies and highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing PE, emphasizing the importance of early recognition, supportive care, the need for close monitoring and prompt intervention to prevent further complications.
Paras et al. (Thu,) studied this question.