# Timing insights in losartan-induced pancreatitis: a clinical case report

## TL;DR

A 31-year-old man developed acute pancreatitis after using losartan for a year, highlighting the rare but possible drug-induced cause of the condition.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare instance of losartan-induced acute pancreatitis, emphasizing its delayed onset and diagnostic importance.

## Key findings

- Losartan-induced acute pancreatitis occurred after a year of use in a patient with no typical risk factors.
- Symptoms resolved after discontinuing losartan and providing symptomatic management.
- The case suggests the need to consider drug-induced pancreatitis in differential diagnosis.

## Abstract

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a gastrointestinal disorder frequently associated with gallstones, hypertriglyceridemia, and alcohol use. Drug-induced pancreatitis has been documented in the medical literature, with various medications implicated as potential triggers. We report a case of a 31-year-old man with hypertension who presented with severe upper abdominal pain and was diagnosed with AP. Extensive diagnostic evaluation excluded common causes, pointing towards losartan. Symptomatic management and cessation of losartan led to improvement. This is a rare instance of losartan-induced AP. The patient experienced symptoms after a year of use, suggesting that pancreatitis can occur at any time during therapy. The underlying mechanisms are unclear; however, they might include decreased bradykinin breakdown leading to localized pancreatic duct angioedema. This highlights the importance of differentiating drug-induced pancreatitis from idiopathic causes. This case highlights the importance of considering pancreatitis in differential diagnosis, particularly in patients lacking typical risk factors.