An unusual presentation of a giant pancreatic pseudocyst extending through the lateral abdominothoracic wall into the subcutaneous plane

Abstract

Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of pancreatitis affecting up to 40% of chronic cases. Typically, they are located within or abutting the pancreas and are self-limiting with the majority been smaller than 6cm, asymptomatic and resolving with conservative management. Here we present an unusual multiloculated giant pancreatic pseudocyst that originated at the pancreatic tail and extended through the lateral thoracoabdominal walls into the subcutaneous plane in a male with chronic alcohol pancreatitis. A literature search revealed no previous documented cases of this specific complication.