ODP197 Familial Hypertriglyceridemia Initially Presenting with Hypertriglyceridemia-induced Pancreatitis: A Case Report

CASE PRESENTATION: A 28 year old male with a past medical history of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) and hypertension presented to the emergency room with acute onset, progressive epigastric pain associated with nausea. The pain suddenly started earlier that day after a large meal. He denied alcohol use. He was previously on insulin Glargine 55 units nightly but was not using it for several months. Vitals signs were within normal limits, BMI was 38.5 kg/m 2 . Physical examination revealed marked epigastric tenderness and multiple yellow papules on the abdomen and extensor surfaces of extremities. Lab findings revealed WBC 14.3 k/mm cu, lipase 437 IU/L, triglycerides greater than 3000 mg/dl with VLDL greater than 3000 mg/dl. Computerized tomography of the abdomen was consistent with acute pancreatitis. He was diagnosed with familial hypertriglyceridemia presenting with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment with regular insulin infusion was started. On day 3, triglyceride levels decreased to 543 mg/dl and insulin infusion was stopped. He reported symptomatic improvement and was able to tolerate oral diet. He was counseled on significance of lifestyle modifications and medication compliance and was discharged on Niacin, Omega 3, Fenofibrate, Ezetimibe, and Pravastatin with plans to follow up with an Endocrinologist. DISCUSSION: This case of a young male presenting with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis due to underlying familial hypertriglyceridemia emphasizes the significance of comprehensive history taking and work up for patients initially presenting to the clinic with risk factors such as obesity and insulin resistance. Our patient classically had a history of T2DM, and as cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of mortality in diabetic patients, screening for and managing dyslipidemia is pivotal. Eruptive xanthomas are erythematous-yellow papules typically located on extensor surfaces which appear when triglyceride levels exceed 1500-2000 mg/dl. This characteristic skin finding led to a prompt suspicion for familial hypertriglyceridemia in our patient. Our patient was stabilized in the ICU and subsequently discharged on multiple oral agents. The current consensus is that single statin therapy is not recommended; however, further research is indicated to specify the optimal combination of triglyceride lowering agents based on the severity of hypertriglyceridemia. Presentation: No date and time listed