Abstract
BACKGROUND: Both autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and gastric varices are related to various diseases. However, AIP complicated by gastric varices is extremely rare, and has only been reported in a few studies. Here, we report a case of AIP complicated by gastric varices in a female Chinese patient. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to our hospital with mild abdominal pain. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a diffusely enlarged pancreas, an obstructed splenic vein and slight splenomegaly. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed gastric varices in the partial gastric fundus and the red-color sign was positive. Blood chemistry showed that IgG4 was notablely elevated. The patient was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices. Steroid therapy was administered to this patient with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. After one year of therapy, the pancreas, spleen and splenic vein recovered to the normal states, and the gastric varices had disappeared. CONCLUSION: We present this case together with evidence from the literature to demonstrate the effectiveness of steroid therapy in the treatment of AIP complicated by gastric varices.