Re: pseudocysts and lipase/amylase levels

[Guest guest]

an 11 year old boy with special needs who recently experienced acute

pancreatitis. He still is recovering, although is at home now. >

During the recovery period we first saw what appeared to be pain,

agitation, intense hunger, persistant low grade fever and no

interest in drinking. Suddenly last week we saw his energy levels

dramatically drop. We went to a pediatric GI doc and he was testing

his amylase and lipase levels because he wondered if Will had

developed pseudocysts and said those levels would be elevated if he

had. They found those levels to be normal and sent us on our way.

I'm just wondering how true that is? Thanks!

Beth

Beth,

That's a difficult question. When I first developed pseudocysts, I

did have elevated amylase and lipase levels resulting from an acute

attack. My amylase levels remained slightly elevated for several

months, and my GI did say this was due to the presence of the

pseudocysts. Last December, these pseudocysts had resolved down to

less than 2 cm. In January I experienced severe pain and prolonged

episodes of increased pain. I was admitted into the hospital in

March with Diabetic Ketoacidosis, and my amylase and lipase levels

at that time were within normal ranges. A CT-scan was done the week

after I was released and this scan showed that the pseudocysts had

actually doubled in size, yet my levels were still normal. Another

a & l test was done last week, and although the pseudocyst(s) are

still there, my levels are STILL normal. There is some question

about one of the pseudocysts. Earlier scans showed two, one 6 x 5

cm. and one 3 x 5 cm., yet for some reason now all they can see is

the smaller one that is 3 x 5cm. Nevertheless, there is still no

rise in a & l levels.

IMO, if there is any concern or question about the presence of a

pseudocyst for your son, the doctor should do some imaging studies,

preferably a CT-scan, but even an ultrasound would be better than

nothing, to determine if there is a presence of any masses. His

increased pain and low energy levels, plus low temperature, could

indicate some abnormalty. I personally feel that a blood test is

not definitive enough of an test to be accurate about the presence

of pseudocysts.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

State and Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments are personal opinion only, and should not be

substituted for a professional medical consultation.

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth,

I have a pseudocyst and do not have any a & l elevation. In my opinion that

is a bunch of.....to say it nicely, bologna. My GI told me that amylase &

lipase can rise and fall very quickly. In fact I have never had a & l

elevation. One time mine was on the high end of normal but that is it. But

I still have chronic pancreatitis. It took me 3 years to get my diagnosis,

this disease is very very peculiar. It breaks my heart to hear of children

with this disease. I am 29 years old and feel that I am to young to have it.

Your son, you and your family will be in my prayers. I wish you luck

finding a good doctor and some answers to your questions.

Sending lots of happy thoughts your way....

Marisa~San Diego, CA