Pancreatic pseudocyst
Key points
- A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of tissue, fluid, debris, pancreatic enzymes, and blood that can develop after acute pancreatitis.
- Pancreatic pseudocysts usually develop between one and four weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis.
- The health care provider may palpate your abdomen to feel for a pseudocyst, which feels like a mass in the middle or left upper abdomen.
- Treatment depends upon the size and the condition of the pseudocyst.
Definition
A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of tissue, fluid, debris, pancreatic enzymes, and blood that can develop after acute pancreatitis.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Pancreatic pseudocysts usually develop between one and four weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis. They are often caused by a disruption of the pancreatic duct due the inflammation that occurs during pancreatitis. Risk factors for pancreatic pseudocyst are acute pancreatitis, abdominal trauma, and chronic pancreatitis.
Symptoms
- Persistent Abdominal pain, may radiate to the back
- Abdominal mass
- Inability to eat
Signs and tests
The health care provider may palpate your abdomen to feel for a pseudocyst, which feels like a mass in the middle or left upper abdomen.
Tests that may help diagnose pancreatic pseudocyst include:
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the size and the condition of the pseudocyst. Many clear up on their own, although surgery is necessary in some cases.
Surgical methods include the following:
- Percutaneous surgery: uses a needle, usually under radiological (X-ray) guidance
- Endoscopic-assisted drainage: uses an endoscope (a tube containing a camera device with a light) to locate the pseudocyst
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is good with treatment.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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