Asymptomatic Elevation of Pancreatic Enzymes: A Case of Gullo's Syndrome.

Abstract

Benign pancreatic hyperenzymemia (BPH) or Gullo's syndrome is a benign condition consisting of an oscillating elevation of pancreatic enzymes without the identification of pancreatic disease. Its diagnosis is usually incidental and by excluding other conditions that occur with elevated pancreatic enzymes. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of this diagnosis to this day in Portugal. A 65-year-old female was referred to an internal medicine consultation for complaints of xerostomia, xerophthalmia, and xeroderma with one year of evolution. From the study carried out by the patient prior to the consultation, an incidental elevation of amylase stands out. The sicca symptoms were attributed to sertraline since, after excluding other causes, its discontinuation resolved the symptoms. Regarding the elevation of pancreatic enzymes, the patient underwent an extensive diagnostic study for clarification without identifying any condition. The serial measurement of amylase and lipase revealed an oscillating increase in pancreatic enzymes with temporary normalization. After one year of follow-up, the diagnosis of Gullo's syndrome was established. The identification of Gullo's syndrome is extremely important as it avoids carrying out unnecessary tests in the future and allows the patient to be reassured in the face of this benign alteration of pancreatic enzymes. A follow-up of at least one year is crucial since some pancreatic tumors course with an asymptomatic increase in pancreatic enzymes.

• Authors: Guilherme Camões, Diana M Ferreira, Arsénio Santos, Lèlita Santos
• Journal: Cureus (Cureus) Vol. 15 Issue 9 Pg. e44665 (Sep 2023) ISSN: 2168-8184 [Print] United States
• PMID: 37799243 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023, Camões et al.