Extremely High Lipase Levels

[Keeanah]

I was admitted to the hospital last Monday with extreme pain, right about where your esophagus meets your stomach.  They at first thought I was having a heart attack, but ultimately diagnosed me with pancreatitis.  My amylase levels were normal, my triglycerides were normal, and I do not drink alcohol.  I had CT scans of my abdomen and my liver and pancreas are both fine.  They took I don't know how many heart related tests - all great, negative for hepatitis.  However, my lipase was off the charts - 6,802 per the lab results.  I was reading somewhere on a different site that for pancreatitis to be diagnosed, both amylase & lipase had to be high and only about 2 to 3 times the normal level.  This obviously doesn't apply to me, so is pancreatitis the only cause for extremely high?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Pancreatitis is the most likely reason, as the lipase tends to be a more specific test.  The amylase level tends to fall sooner, and the lipase may take a bit more time before going down.

Kidney disease, bowel obstruction, and peptic ulcer disease can also raise the levels, but not often to that degree.

Further tests, including an MRCP or ERCP to evaluate the cause of the pancreatitis can be considered.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd