Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor therapy and acute pancreatitis.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are generally well tolerated. Worldwide, only few reports have been published associating pancreatitis with ACE inhibitor therapy. We report a case in whom there was no other likely explanation for the acute pancreatitis than enalapril therapy, which was temporally associated with the symptoms. Possible mechanisms underlying the induction of pancreatitis by ACE inhibitors are discussed. With the increasing use of ACE inhibitors, the incidence of rare adverse effects such as potentially lethal pancreatitis is likely to increase. Clinicians need to be aware of this association.