Hemorrhage into pancreatic pseudocyst

We report a patient whose upper abdominal pain was due to an alcoholic pancreatic pseudocyst with hemorrhage. CT showed a gradually enhancing pancreatic pseudocyst about 6 cm in diameter. It exhibited hyposignal intensity on T2-weighted images and hypersignal intensity on T1-weighted images. Enlargement of the pancreatic pseudocyst was thought to be attributable to hemorrhage into the pancreatic pseudocyst. Angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal (ASPD) artery. Selective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the ASPD artery stopped the bleeding and his abdominal pain lessened. After 1 month, the diameter of the pseudocyst was reduced to about 3 cm and it showed hypersignal intensity on T2-weighted images and hyposignal intensity on T1-weighted images. TAE was considered to be a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment in this patient with hemorrhage into a pancreatic pseudocyst.     

Pancreatic concentrations of cefepime

The concentrations of cefepime in pancreatic pseudocyst fluid (n = 4), pancreatic tissue (n = 4) and pancreatic fistula fluid (n = 1), and simultaneous plasma concentrations, were measured after intravenous administration of a single 2 g dose to nine patients. Mean plasma concentration was 27.4 mg/L between 120 and 200 min after the end of infusion. Mean pancreatic cefepime concentration was 6.3 mg/L in pseudocyst and 10.7 mg/L in pancreatic tissue. Cefepime was detected by 30 min after the end of the perfusion in pancreatic fistulae fluid, and persisted at 8 h. We conclude that cefepime is a potentially useful antibiotic in prevention and treatment of pancreatic infection.     

Pancreatica magna aneurysm: rupture into the pancreatic duct

A 49-year-old black man had rupture of a pancreatica magna aneurysm into the pancreatic duct as an inflammatory consequence of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst. It is the ninth reported case of splenic arterial branch rupture due to chronic pancreatitis and the seventh reported case due to chronic pancreatitis associated with pancreatic pseudocyst, and is presented to emphasize its importance as a possible cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.     

63例急性胰腺炎后胰腺假性囊肿的内科综合治疗

目的：探讨急性胰腺炎（AP）并发胰腺假性囊肿（PPC）的早期诊断、早期治疗方法及疗效观察。方法：急性胰腺炎患者给予常规治疗,每周复查B型超声,必要时复查上腹部CT,一旦检查诊断为胰腺假性囊肿形成,即给予TDP（CQ型特定电磁波治疗器）烤腹部相应囊肿部位皮肤,烤后再以适量黄冰解毒消肿软膏外敷腹部相应囊肿部位皮肤,每周复查B超1次,直致囊肿消失。结果：63例胰腺假性囊肿56例胰腺假性囊肿经保守治疗后完全消失,有效率88.89%（56/63）,平均6-8周时间,最短时间2周,最长时间12周。7例囊肿未消失,其中2例囊肿有缩小,5例无效。结论：胰腺假性囊肿形成早期诊断,早期联合物理治疗和中药外敷疗效显著,不失为一种安全、有效、经济的治疗方法。     

Pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding from a pancreatic pseudocyst is a rare condition that is diagnostically and therapeutically challenging. A 78-year-old woman with a history of acute pancreatitis due to gallstones was hospitalized for abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroscopy revealed blood extruding from the papilla of Vater. A computed tomography scan revealed hemorrhage into a pancreatic pseudocyst. The patient was successfully treated by coil embolization.     

Pancreatic pseudocyst masquerading as an incarcerated inguinal hernia

We present a case in which a pancreatic pseudocyst dissected into the right inguinal region, thus masquerading as an incarcerated right inguinal hernia. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis of a pseudocyst, and the patient was treated successfully with percutaneous drainage.     

Mediastinal extension of pancreatic pseudocyst--a case with review of topic and management guidelines

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Extension of a pancreatic pseudocyst into the mediastinum is rare. We present a case of a 43-year-old male with a history of pancreatitis, who presented with dysphagia and was found to have a pancreatic pseudocyst. The pseudocyst was extending to the mediastinum and compressing the esophagus. It was successfully drained externally by computed tomography-guided catheter intervention. Depending on the location and size, patients may present with dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, or dysphagia; sometimes with hemoptysis, acute respiratory compromise, or cardiogenic shock. There are no recommended guidelines for management. Watchful waiting for spontaneous regression, medical therapy, or drainage internally or externally with endoscopic, percutaneous, or open surgical approach are available options. Based on our own experience and literature review of such cases, we present a management strategy that can limit both complications and recurrence rate. This case emphasizes the importance of the possibility of mediastinal extension of a pancreatic pseudocyst and provides reference guidelines to approach the same.     

Assessment of value of pancreatic pseudocyst amylase concentration in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts by percutaneous evacuation.

The aim of our study was to determine the value of the percutaneous pancreatic pseudocyst evacuation. We assessed the relation between the amylase concentration of the pseudocyst contents and the final outcome of the disease treated by the percutaneous evacuation. Forty-three patients with a history of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocysts larger than 5 cm in diameter that persisted beyond 6 weeks were divided into four groups relative to the amylase concentration in the pseudocystic contents and the number of evacuations. The results show a good correlation between low amylase concentration in the liquid pseudocystic contents (less than or equal to 64 WU) and the healing rate after the percutaneous evacuation (p less than 0.001). The percutaneous evacuation of the pseudocysts failed in patients with increased amylase concentrations in the pseudocyst fluid regardless of the number of evacuations. We conclude that surgical treatment is indicated in patients who have amylase-rich pseudocyst contents.     

Endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocyst: a long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: No studies with real long-term follow-up after endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts are available. The present study was undertaken to investigate the long-term outcome of endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocyst with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 38 consecutive patients with pancreatic pseudocyst underwent endoscopic cystogastrostomy (n = 27), endoscopic cystoduodenostomy (n = 6) and transpapillary drainage (n = 5). Patients were monitored at 1 and 3 months after drainage, and finally between 24 and 80 months. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done at 1 and 3 months after drainage while ultrasound was done at 3 months and at the end of follow-up. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was only done before cyst drainage if no cyst bulge was visible in the stomach or duodenum or if obstructive jaundice was present. RESULTS: Biliary pancreatitis was responsible for the pseudocyst in 19 cases while the remaining occurrences were caused by alcohol (n = 12) and trauma (n = 7). All forms of endoscopic drainage were effective in treating pancreatic pseudocyst and there was complete disappearance of the cyst within 3 months of drainage, irrespective of cause. Over a mean follow-up of 44.23 months (24 - 80 months). Three patients had symptomatic recurrences while three had asymptomatic recurrences; all had alcohol-induced pancreatitis. No recurrences were seen in the biliary pancreatitis and trauma group. All symptomatic recurrences were successfully managed with endoscopic cystogastrostomy and stenting. A massive bleed in one patient required surgery while stent block and cyst infection in three patients and perforation in one patient were managed conservatively. ERCP was done before cyst drainage in eight patients because there was no visible bulge into the stomach or duodenum (n = 5), or because obstructive jaundice was present (n = 3). In five patients ERCP revealed cyst duct communication. All these patients were managed by transpapillary drainage and there was only one asymptomatic recurrence in this group. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocyst is quite an effective and safe mode of treatment in experienced hands. ERCP before the procedure is only required when the cyst does not bulge into gut lumen, for a decision about the feasibility of transpancreatic drainage. On long-term follow-up, recurrences were seen only in the alcoholic pancreatitis group. In the biliary pancreatitis group, no recurrences were seen after cholecystectomy and removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones if present. No recurrences were seen in the trauma group.     

Computerized tomography in acute and chronic pancreatitis

Modern imaging techniques have revolutionized the diagnostic evaluation of pancreatitis, primarily demonstrating its complications. Computerized tomography (CT) is a more sensitive method than ultrasonography and pancreatic ductography. A chart review revealed 214 patients at our hospital with a discharge diagnosis of pancreatitis. Sixty patients had CT for evaluation of possible complications. Only five scans were normal. Of 37 cases of acute pancreatitis, 92% demonstrated localized or diffuse enlargement, and 65% showed loss of pancreatic outline. Other frequent findings included thickening of perirenal fascia (49%), ileus (43%), edema of mesentery (35%), and inflammatory exudate (32%). Abscess and pseudocyst were each detected in 8% of cases. In chronic pancreatitis 65% of patients showed localized or diffuse pancreatic enlargement. Atrophy of the gland (30%), calcification (30%), pseudocyst (26%), and dilated pancreatic ducts (17%) were also seen. CT is effective in evaluating pancreatitis and its complications.     

Pancreatic pseudocyst,pancreatitis, and incomplete pancreas divisum in a child treated with endotherapy: a case report

Pancreatic divisum (PD) is caused by the lack of fusion of the pancreatic duct during the embryonic period. Considering the incidence rate of PD, clinicians lack an understanding of the disease, which is usually asymptomatic. Some patients with PD may experience recurrent pancreatitis and progress to chronic pancreatitis. Recently, a 13-year-old boy presented with pancreatic pseudocyst, recurrent pancreatitis, and incomplete PD, and we report this patient’s clinical data regarding the diagnosis, medical imagining, and treatment. The patient had a history of recurrent pancreatitis and abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was chosen for diagnosis of PD, pancreatitis, and pancreatic pseudocyst, followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, minor papillotomy, pancreatic pseudocyst drainage, and stent implantation. In the follow-up, the pseudocyst lesions were completely resolved, and no recurrent pancreatitis has been observed.     

Pancreatic pseudocyst with biliary fistula: treatment with endoscopic internal drainage

Surgical drainage is the standard treatment for pancreatic pseudocysts and their complications. However, acute symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts are amenable to endoscopic internal drainage in select cases. We report a case of pancreatic pseudocyst with biliary fistula resulting from a recurrent pseudocyst treated with endoscopic stent drainage.     

Pediatric pancreatic pseudocyst: a case report and review of the literature.

The differential diagnosis of abdominal pain and mass in children is complicated. An uncommon, but potentially life-threatening cause is pancreatic pseudocyst. The case of a 3-year-old male with a pancreatic pseudocyst is presented. All previously reported cases are reviewed.     

Subcapsular renal spread of a pancreatic pseudocyst

In pancreatitis, the fluid collection may extend to unusual sites and organs and form a pseudocyst. We present US and CT findings of a pancreatic tail pseudocyst extending into the subcapsular space of the left kidney. Received: 23 December 1994/Accepted: 25 January 1995     

Infected pancreatic necrosis possibly due to combined percutaneous aspiration, cystogastric pseudocyst drainage and injection of a sclerosant

This paper reports on a patient who was treated by percutaneous aspiration, instillation of a sclerosant (polidocanol) and cystogastric drainage for a post-acute pancreatic pseudocyst. Five weeks after admission to hospital for the first episode of an acute necrotizing pancreatitis, the 60-year-old man underwent a percutaneous, ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration of a voluminous pancreatic pseudocyst. Ten days later, recurrent fluid collection led to a second puncture, combined with the injection of polidocanol (15 ml; 1%) into the cyst cavity. Since this treatment failed, a percutaneous cystogastric drain ("double--pigtail") was inserted five days later. After developing acute abdominal pain and incipient sepsis, the patient was sent for surgical intervention twelve days after the second treatment with percutaneous aspiration and injection of polidocanol. During the operation an infected pancreatic pseudocyst with extensive contaminated necrosis of the pancreas and duodenal perforation was found. Necrectomy was performed, followed by continuous lavage of the omental bursa. Intensive care therapy was necessary for one week. Duodenal leakage persisted for nearly three weeks, the stopped spontaneously. The patient was discharged in quite a good state of health after 33 days of postoperative treatment. Although spontaneous development of infected pancreatic pseudocysts and pancreatic abscesses in necrotizing pancreatitis is known, a possible involvement of the drainage procedures, especially in combination with the injection of a sclerosant must be considered.     

Pancreaticothoracic fistulas: imaging findings in five patients

Background Pancreaticothoracic fistulas are a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis. This study evaluated the imaging findings in patients with pancreaticothoracic fistulas. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographic images in five patients with pancreaticothoracic fistulas diagnosed at our institution during the previous 6 years. Data from radiography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and drainage catheter studies were evaluated. Results Persistent pleural effusions were present on the radiographs of all patients. ERCP was performed in three patients. Contrast material was injected into drainage catheters placed in a pancreatic pseudocyst in one patient and a pancreatic abscess in another patient. Pancreaticothoracic fistulas were demonstrated on all of these studies. One patient had a CT study immediately after ERCP and another patient had a CT study immediately after contrast material was injected through a drainage catheter placed percutaneously in a pseudocyst. CT demonstrated the full extent of the pancreaticothoracic fistula in both patients. Conclusion Pancreaticothoracic fistulas are rare and may require multiple imaging modalities to establish a diagnosis.     

Ruptured pancreatic pseudocysts: diagnosis by endoscopy. Report of 3 cases.

Report on 3 cases of spontaneous perforation of a pancreatic pseudocyst into the stomach; presenting symptom was in each case an acute upper GI-bleeding. The pseudocyst was endoscopically seen as a well delineated, hemorrhagic protrusion into the stomach. After full perforation the spontaneous ostium had the appearance of a surgical anastomosis. High amylase concentration in the aspirate ave further diagnostic evidence. All 3 patients survived, 2 of them without surgery.     

Spontaneous communication between a pancreatic pseudocyst and the colon: Unusual clinical and radiographic presentation

A huge pancreatic pseudocyst which nearly filled the entire abdomen ruptured into the sigmoid colon, and caused perplexing clinical and radiographic findings. Because of the thickness of its wall, the pseudocyst did not collapse but became filled with intestinal gas. The more common features of pseudocysts that rupture are discussed.     

Intraoperative ultrasonic localization of a small pancreatic pseudocyst

Intraoperative pancreatic ultrasound can be useful to identify small masses or cysts that are not readily palpable at surgery. In our case, a small (2.0 cm diameter) pseudocyst was demonstrated preoperatively by ultrasound and computed tomography, but could not be palpated at surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound located and helped to guide needle aspiration of the pancreatic pseudocyst. Other indications for intraoperative pancreatic ultrasound are reviewed.     

Angiographic demonstration of gastrointestinal bleeding through the pancreatic duct

This article describes the angiographic findings in the case of a bleeding stump of the left gastric artery, following subtotal gastrectomy, into a pancreatic pseudocyst with instantaneous opacification of the pancreatic duct and duodenum. This is the first reported case to demonstrate a frank bleed with total opacification of the pancreatic duct. Based on our experience and previously reported cases, we conclude that subselective catheterization of the bleeding vessel is necessary to demonstrate total opacification of the pancreatic duct in such cases.