Xerophthalmia due to vitamin A deficiency following Frey's procedure for chronic calcific pancreatitis. Issue 5 (24th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Supriya; Murthy, Somasheila I; Bhate, Manjushree; Rathi, Varsha
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-24
• Subjects: eye -- nutrition -- pancreatitis -- ophthalmology; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242710
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We report a rare presentation of xerophthalmia due to partial pancreatic exocrine insufficiency following Frey's surgery (pancreatic resection) in a 12-year-old girl. The child had undergone this surgery for chronic calcific pancreatitis 3 years before and presented with ocular irritation and decreased vision of 3 months duration. Ocular examination showed severe conjunctival and corneal xerosis. Her serum retinol levels and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were tested and were extremely low. The condition rapidly reversed following high-dose replacement therapy with vitamin A and D. This case highlights the importance of continuous enzyme replacement therapy as well as dietary modification and nutritional supplement therapy and monitoring of ocular symptoms in post-pancreatic surgery.