Digital illustration of a liver with damaged section alongside healthy pancreas, symbolizing hepatic infarction and acute pancreatitis.

Hepatic Infarction and Acute Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A rare but serious complication, hepatic infarction can occur alongside acute pancreatitis. Understand the connection, symptoms, and why early detection is crucial."

Acute pancreatitis, characterized by the release of inflammatory markers and digestive enzymes, can trigger systemic complications. While the body battles inflammation, the delicate balance of blood flow can be disrupted, potentially leading to thrombosis (blood clot formation). This is where the liver's unique blood supply becomes both a strength and a vulnerability.

The liver receives blood from two sources: the hepatic artery and the portal vein. This dual supply usually protects it from infarction (tissue death due to lack of blood supply). However, certain conditions, including severe pancreatitis, can overwhelm these protective mechanisms. When thrombosis affects either the hepatic artery or, more commonly, the portal vein, hepatic infarction can occur.

This article delves into a recent case report that highlights the connection between acute pancreatitis and hepatic infarction. We'll explore the underlying causes, key symptoms, and the critical role of early detection in managing this complex medical scenario.

Unraveling the Link: How Pancreatitis Can Lead to Liver Damage

Digital illustration of a liver with damaged section alongside healthy pancreas, symbolizing hepatic infarction and acute pancreatitis.

The case report featured a 58-year-old male with a history of chronic alcoholism who presented with classic symptoms of acute pancreatitis: severe epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. However, his condition was further complicated by signs of hepatic involvement. Initial laboratory work revealed not only elevated lipase levels (indicating pancreatic inflammation) but also abnormalities in liver function tests.

Imaging played a crucial role in diagnosing the hepatic infarction. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed peripancreatic fat stranding, a hallmark of pancreatitis. More significantly, the CT scan showed a wedge-shaped area of decreased density (hypodensity) in the right lobe of the liver. This characteristic wedge shape is typical of hepatic infarction, indicating a region where blood supply has been compromised.

Here's a breakdown of factors contributing to hepatic infarction in the context of pancreatitis:

Inflammation and Pro-coagulant State: Acute pancreatitis triggers a systemic inflammatory response, releasing pro-coagulant factors that increase the risk of blood clot formation.
Splenic Vein Thrombosis: The CT scan in the case report also suggested splenic vein thrombosis (blood clot in the splenic vein). The close proximity of the splenic and portal veins means that thrombosis in one can affect the other, ultimately disrupting blood flow to the liver.
Compromised Blood Flow: The mass effect from the inflamed pancreas and potential vessel spasm can further impede blood flow to the liver.

While the patient in the case report unfortunately succumbed to complications, his case underscores the importance of vigilance. Although rare, hepatic infarction should be considered in patients with acute pancreatitis, especially those with risk factors like chronic alcoholism.

The Takeaway: Early Detection and Management are Key

Hepatic infarction is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the risk factors, and utilizing imaging techniques for early diagnosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes. While specific treatments may vary, addressing the underlying pancreatitis and preventing further thrombosis are paramount in managing this complex condition. If you experience severe abdominal pain, especially alongside symptoms like nausea and vomiting, seek immediate medical attention to rule out potentially serious conditions.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5114/ceh.2017.73061, Alternate LINK

Title: Hepatic Infarction And Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report And Review Of The Literature

Subject: Hepatology

Journal: Clinical and Experimental Hepatology

Publisher: Termedia Sp. z.o.o.

Authors: Archana Kulkarni, Hamza Arif, Manik Veer, Kateyln Ziggas, Amit Kaura, Meera Sareen

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is hepatic infarction, and how is it related to acute pancreatitis?

Hepatic infarction is tissue death in the liver due to a lack of blood supply. It's a rare but serious complication that can occur alongside acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis, characterized by inflammation and digestive enzyme release, can disrupt blood flow, leading to thrombosis (blood clot formation). While the liver has a dual blood supply from the hepatic artery and the portal vein, severe pancreatitis can overwhelm these protective mechanisms, causing hepatic infarction when blood flow is significantly compromised. The case highlights the importance of understanding how the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis can lead to the formation of clots that block blood flow to the liver.

What symptoms might suggest that a person with acute pancreatitis has also developed hepatic infarction?

While acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting, suspected hepatic involvement is signaled by abnormalities in liver function tests. A key diagnostic tool is a computed tomography (CT) scan, which can reveal peripancreatic fat stranding (a sign of pancreatitis) and, crucially, a wedge-shaped area of decreased density (hypodensity) in the liver, characteristic of hepatic infarction.

What factors increase the risk of hepatic infarction in individuals with acute pancreatitis?

Several factors can elevate the risk. Acute pancreatitis triggers a systemic inflammatory response and releases pro-coagulant factors, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation. Splenic vein thrombosis can also affect the portal vein, disrupting blood flow to the liver due to their close proximity. The inflamed pancreas and potential vessel spasm can further impede hepatic blood flow.

Why is early detection so important when hepatic infarction occurs with acute pancreatitis?

Early detection is critical because hepatic infarction is a potentially life-threatening complication. Recognizing the symptoms, understanding the risk factors, and using imaging techniques like CT scans for early diagnosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Early intervention can address the underlying pancreatitis and prevent further thrombosis, which are paramount in managing this complex condition. While specific treatments may vary, prompt action is essential to minimize liver damage and improve chances of survival.

How does chronic alcoholism contribute to the risk of hepatic infarction in the context of acute pancreatitis?

Chronic alcoholism is a significant risk factor. Individuals with a history of chronic alcoholism may have already compromised liver function, making the liver more vulnerable to damage when acute pancreatitis occurs. The combination of alcohol-related liver damage and the inflammatory and pro-coagulant effects of acute pancreatitis can create a perfect storm, increasing the likelihood of hepatic infarction.