Panniculitis – Pancreatic Panniculitis
Pancreatic Panniculitis is a rare form of panniculitis that I occasionally encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices. It occurs in 2-3% of all patients with pancreatitis however some patients with this skin disease may only have subclinical pancreatitis or elevated levels of circulating serum pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase. The amylase and lipase enzymes can be found around the fat that is involved in Pancreatic Panniculitis as they digest and destroy the fat lobules. Clinically, patients develop painful nodules on their lower legs, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and breasts. Histologically, the findings are a lobular panniculitis. Treatment involves diagnosis and treatment of any underlying pancreatic problem.
