Tuyển tập báo cáo các nghiên cứu khoa học quốc tế ngành y học dành cho các bạn tham khảo đề tài: Acute pancreatitis with saw palmetto use: a case report | Bruminhent et al. Journal of Medical Case Reports 2011 5 414 http content 5 1 414 JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CASE REPORTS CASE REPORT Open Access Acute pancreatitis with saw palmetto use a case report Jackrapong Bruminhent Perliveh Carrera Zhongzhen Li Raymond Amankona and Ingram M Roberts Abstract Introduction Saw palmetto is a phytotherapeutic agent commercially marketed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Evidence suggests that saw palmetto is a safe product and mild gastrointestinal adverse effects have been reported with its use. We report a case of acute pancreatitis possibly secondary to the use of saw palmetto. Case presentation A 61-year-old Caucasian man with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease developed epigastric pain associated with nausea 36 hours prior to presentation. He denied drinking alcohol prior to the development of his symptoms. His home medications included saw palmetto lansoprazole and multivitamins. Laboratory results revealed elevated lipase and amylase levels. An abdominal ultrasound demonstrated a nondilated common bile duct without choledocholithiasis. Computed tomography of his abdomen showed the pancreatic tail with peripancreatic inflammatory changes consistent with acute pancreatitis. Our patient s condition improved with intravenous fluids and pain management. On the fourth day of hospitalization his pancreatic enzymes were within normal limits he was discharged home and advised to avoid taking saw palmetto. Conclusion It is our opinion that a relationship between saw palmetto and the onset of acute pancreatitis is plausible and prescribers and users of saw palmetto should be alert to the possibility of such adverse reactions. Introduction Serenoa repens W. Bartram Small more commonly known as saw palmetto or scrub palmetto is a low-growing palm endemic to the Southeastern United States 1 . Ecologically saw palmetto is used for nesting protective cover .
