Background: Intragastric balloon (IGB) insertion is a safe and effective method for
the treatment of obesity. The most common side effects of the balloon-therapy are
nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis has rarely been reported. Case
Description: We present the case of a 28-year-old woman who underwent IGB insertion
9 months before onset of intense upper abdominal pain. We confirmed the diagnosis
of acute pancreatitis by means of clinical symptoms, serological tests and cross-sectional
imaging. Endoscopic removal of the balloon led to a complete resolution of the symptoms.
Initial laboratory parameters were normal on admission, only the control of lipase
and amylase levels led us to the diagnosis of pancreatitis. On imaging with computed
tomography, the filling catheter of the balloon showed to be dislodged in the duodenum.
After carrying out a systematic approach, other causes of pancreatitis were ruled
out. Conclusions: Laboratory tests including amylase/lipase and adequate imaging should
be considered in patients with relevant symptoms after gastric balloon insertion.
A possible pathogenesis may be the direct compression and traumatic effect on the
pancreas by the balloon or the dislodgement of the catheter into the duodenum and
an obstruction/compression of the Papilla. Endoscopic removal of the balloon is not
mandatory in every case, it should be decided individually.
