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Pancreatic Pseudocyst Updated 12/2010

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Etiology

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Essential Workup
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Pre-hospital
  • Initial Stabilization
  • ED Treatment
  • Medication (Drugs)
  • In-patient Considerations

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Cystic collection of fluid with high content of pancreatic enzymes surrounded by a wall of fibrous tissue lacking a true epithelial lining
  • Localized in parenchyma of pancreas or adjacent abdominal spaces (lesser peritoneal sac)
  • Requires 4–6 wk to form from onset of acute pancreatitis
Etiology
  • Ethanol abuse accounts for 70–80% cases.
  • Other causes include trauma, biliary tract disease, hypertriglyceridemia, and recent surgery.
  • Average age at diagnosis 45 yr
  • Men > women
  • Complication in 5–16% of acute pancreatitis; 20–40% of chronic pancreatitis
ALERT: Pediatric Considerations
  • >60% result from blunt trauma.
  • Usually can palpate a mass

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See Also
Images >
FIGURE 40-20 Pancreatic pseudocyst. A cystic cavity arises from the head of the pancreas. Credit: Rubin E., Farber J.L. [1999]. Pathology [3rd ed., p. 847]. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven
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