A Diabetic Patient with Abdominal Pain and Lactescent Serum

Abstract

We present the case of a poorly controlled diabetic patient suffering from acute onset of abdominal pain and vomiting. A blood sample taken at the bedside revealed lactescent serum and provided an important clue to the patient's status of having severe hypertriglyceridaemia. The clinical diagnosis of hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis was correctly made in the accident and emergency department. Clinical photos of the lactescent serum are shown. The incidence, risk factors and management of this particular type of acute pancreatitis are discussed.