Biomarker negative pancreatitis caused by Influenza B infection. A case presentation and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Influenza B is considered to cause milder illness compared to influenza A. There has been no known association between influenza B and acute pancreatitis. Case report: We present a case of an influenza B infection complicated with acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, the biochemical markers that are used to diagnose pancreatitis were normal in this case. Discussion: We present the case that Influenza B can present with severity compared to this of Influenza A. We review the literature on infectious causes and diagnostic criteria for acute pancreatitis and on acute pancreatitis with normal pancreatic enzymes. Conclusion: Influenza B can rarely cause acute pancreatitis. The absence of biochemical confirmation should not exclude the diagnosis of pancreatitis in the appropriate clinical setting.