Endoscopic Ultrasound Assisted Etiological Localization in Acute Pancreatitis

Hyperparathyroidism is an uncommon cause of pancreatitis and one should look for its telltale evidence on history (renal stone disease) and investigations (hypercalcemia). Endosonography has an upcoming role in the management of acute pancreatitis, especially in the presence of fluid collection. We report a case of parathyroid adenoma related acute pancreatitis complicated with pseudocyst, which was managed with percutaneous drainage and endosonographic localization of the adenoma to the left parathyroid gland. This patient underwent sestamibi scanning, which confirmed its presence and underwent surgical excision of the adenoma. Endosonography should be included in the work up of patients with unclear etiology and thyroids should be routinely scanned for parathyroid adenomas. One should always look outside the box to get clues for diseases inside the box.