Asparaginase-Associated Necrotizing Pancreatitis Successfully Treated with Octreotide: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Pancreatitis is a common adverse reaction to asparaginase and a reason for drug discontinuation in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Diagnostic criteria include elevated pancreatic enzymes, abdominal symptoms and/or imaging findings suggestive of pancreatitis. There is no specific treatment, but in a few reports, octreotide seems to be an effective drug in reducing acute complications and mortality. Here we describe the case of a child who developed asparaginase-induced necrotizing pancreatitis, successfully treated with octreotide.