Azathioprine-Associated Acute Pancreatitis Followed by a Probable Autoimmune Hepatitis Flare After Thiopurine Withdrawal: A Case Report
Abstract
Azathioprine is commonly used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Acute pancreatitis is a recognized idiosyncratic adverse effect that necessitates drug discontinuation. In patients with immune-mediated liver disease, abrupt withdrawal of immunosuppression may predispose to disease flares. We present a case of probable azathioprine-associated acute pancreatitis, followed by biochemical hepatitis consistent with a probable AIH flare after thiopurine cessation. This case highlights the clinical challenge of balancing adverse drug reactions with maintenance of disease control in patients requiring chronic immunosuppression.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pancreatitis Pathology and Treatment
Liver Diseases and Immunity
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e102162–e102162
- Publication date
- 23 January 2026
- Language
- EN