Unusual Presentation of Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes: A Case Report and Brief Review

Abstract

Introduction: Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) is a secondary form of diabetes. Patients present at an early age with abdominal pain and steatorrhoea. They often develop diabetes before the age of 30 years and later nephropathy. FCPD is still a condition rarely considered in everyday practice. However, it might be more common than generally thought. Case Report: We present a case of FCPD from Gujarat in west India, who presented with steatorrhea and abdominal pain. He also had unusual features of oral candidiasis and diabetic nephropathy at the time of diagnosis. He rapidly deteriorated and developed unexplained altered sensorium and succumbed to his illness within a few days of admission. Conclusion: Although the reported prevalence is low, the possibility of FCPD must be kept in mind while managing a case of diabetes as its therapy would include, in addition to control of diabetes, management of the pain of pancreatitis, long term pancreatic enzyme replacement and periodic screening for malignancy. We also observed a need for detailed research and treatment guidelines.