L-asparaginase-induced severe necrotizing pancreatitis successfully treated with percutaneous drainage.

L-asparaginase is a key component of the antileukemic therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Pancreatitis has been noted to be a complication in 2-16% of patients undergoing treatment with L-asparaginase for a variety of pediatric neoplasms. Most cases of pancreatitis associated with L-asparaginase toxicity are self-limiting and respond favorably to nasogastric decompression and intravenous hyperalimentation. However, in rare instances, hemorrhagic pancreatitis or necrosis may occur. L-asparaginase-induced pancreatitis is an uncommon but potential lethal complication of the treatment of leukemia. We present a pediatric patient with leukemia and a severe, L-asparaginase-induced necrotizing pancreatitis, treated successfully with percutaneous drainage used to flush the infected necrotic parts. (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.