Cardiovascular Alterations Associated with Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is clinically characterized by abdominal pain accompanied by elevated serum levels of pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase). Pain is the hallmark of acute pancreatitis and, as a presenting symptom; it is localized in the epigastrium in more than 60% of patients having mild or severe disease [1]. Thus, the differential diagnosis is sometime difficult because acute pancreatitis may mimic other diseases and, in particular, acute coronary syndrome [2]. In addition, the acute illness of the pancreas is associated with a number of metabolic abnormalities, such as hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia which may cause hemodynamic changes. Variations in the concentration of ionized calcium have been directly correlated to clinically significant changes in myocardial contractility.