Pancreatic panniculitis is necrosis of adipocytes in the subcutis followed by intense pain

: We report an unusual history of pain in a young patient in the intensive care unit. A 33 year-old alcoholic male with acute pancreatitis had generalized intense pain and developed erythema on the lower truncus and the lower extremities. Treatment with different antibiotics, antihistamines and topical potent steroid cream were all ineffective. A biopsy showed necrotic adipocytes characteristic for pancreatic panniculitis. We suggest that pancreatic panniculitis should be considered in patients with erythema, pain and known pancreatic disease.