Early diagnosis of asparaginase‑associated pancreatitis based on elevated serum elastase‑1 levels: Case reports

Morimoto,Tsuyoshi; Hirai,Kota; Fukumura,Akiko; Takakura,Hiromitsu; Koike,Takashi; Shimizu,Takashi

doi:10.3892/br.2013.108

Early diagnosis of asparaginase‑associated pancreatitis based on elevated serum elastase‑1 levels: Case reports

Authors:
- Tsuyoshi Morimoto
- Kota Hirai
- Akiko Fukumura
- Hiromitsu Takakura
- Takashi Koike
- Takashi Shimizu
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Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259‑1193, Japan
Published online on: May 17, 2013 https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2013.108
Pages: 651-653

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Abstract

L‑asparaginase (L‑asp) is a well‑known anticancer agent used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. However, it is also known to induce several acute complications, such as acute pancreatitis. This is a presentation of two pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases of asparaginase‑associated pancreatitis (AAP) diagnosed at an early stage based on elevated serum elastase‑1 levels, in the presence of normal serum amylase levels. Early diagnosis and treatment of AAP, although imperative, is occasionally difficult if only standard diagnostic procedures are followed. Elastase‑1 is a potentially useful marker for the early diagnosis of AAP. Therefore, the measurement of elastase‑1 levels, in addition to amylase and lipase levels, is recommended in L‑asp‑treated patients.

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