Hypertriglyceridaemic pancreatitis induced by oral contraceptives: rare but a fatal complication

Acute pancreatitis is a common surgical emergency with a variety of aetiologies. Hypertriglyceridaemia is considered as one of the causes, especially in elevated triglyceride levels in the absence of other culprits. However, it rarely occurs in combination with oral contraceptives. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with acute pancreatitis caused by oral contraceptive-induced hypertriglyceridaemia. This case report highlights the importance of considering rare side effects of oral contraceptives, which are commonly used by women at childbearing age. Proper clinical history and evaluation with measurements of fasting serum lipid profile in high-risk patients will help explain the aetiology of pancreatitis to avoid further morbidity in the future.