# Acute Pancreatitis Caused by Fishbone Impaction in the Pancreas: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of acute pancreatitis caused by a fishbone in the pancreas highlights the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare cause of acute pancreatitis and emphasizes the importance of rigorous evaluation before intervention.

## Key findings

- A fishbone penetrating the pancreas caused acute pancreatitis.
- The foreign body spontaneously migrated to the intestinal lumen, avoiding surgery.
- Early imaging and multidisciplinary cooperation are crucial for managing such cases.

## Abstract

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disease of the pancreas, which can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. The leading causes of AP include gallstones, alcohol abuse, hypertriglyceridemia, trauma, and pancreatic tumors. Here, we report a rare case of AP caused by the penetration of a fishbone into the pancreas. The treatment of pancreatitis caused by foreign bodies generally requires surgical or endoscopic removal of foreign bodies; otherwise, it may cause severe complications, such as an abscess. However, a repeated CT after transfer found that the foreign body had migrated to the intestinal lumen spontaneously. Therefore, conducting a rigorous pre-intervention evaluation is critical for clinical decision-making. This case underscores the critical roles of early imaging, rapid diagnosis, inter-hospital or multidisciplinary cooperation, and prompt appropriate treatment in managing AP caused by a foreign body.