L-asparaginase (L-Asp)-associated pancreatitis (AAP) occurs occasionally; however, this side-effect has predominantly been observed among pediatric patients. Usually, it is not life-threatening and generally responds to intensive medical therapy. The present study presents a rare case of lethal AAP in an adult. The patient was recently diagnosed with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type, and the chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and was receiving L-Asp as part of a chemotherapy regimen. Severe acute pancreatitis occurred and the patient succumbed 72 h after completion of chemotherapy. The HBV infection and lipid disorders may have been potential risk factors for the development of severe acute pancreatitis in the patient.
Keywords: L-asparaginase-associated pancreatitis; adult; extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma; nasal type.