Introduction: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare and distinct condition in children compared to adults. Despite being based on adult diagnostic criteria, several differences have been reported, making pediatric AIP a challenging diagnosis.
Case presentation: A 14-year-old adolescent presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. A combination of biological and radiological assessments led to the diagnosis of AIP. The patient experienced a swift and complete recovery without intensive treatment.
Conclusion: AIP in children is an intriguing diagnosis and should be considered when a child presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. The natural history and pathophysiology of the disease are still uncertain. Specific markers for the disease need to be established. Studies on larger sample sizes are necessary to address these questions and improve AIP diagnosis and management.