Pancreaticopleural fistula: a case report

Pancreatic pleural effusion masquerading as right sided tubercular pleural effusion

“…Few patients may present with history of abdominal pain or steatorrhea, but the first clue to PPF more often than not is high pleural fluid amylase concentration that may require detailed radiologic imaging for confirming it. Abdominal sonogram and computed tomography usually show pseudocyst with evidence of chronic pancreatitis [8]. Non-invasive modality MRCP, has been shown to visualize the duct beyond the strictures, shows parenchymal atrophy along with ductal anatomy, pseudocyst, peripancreatic collection or PPF.…”

Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Rare Cause of Massive Pleural Effusion

“…Diagnosis of PPF is often delayed because respiratory symptoms may predominate initially, and the underlying pancreatic disease is frequently asymptomatic (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). In some patients, a history of abdominal pain or steatorrhea can be found, but the first clue to pancreatic disease may be the finding of a high pleural fluid amylase concentration.…”

“…Detailed radiologic imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis. Abdominal ultranography and computed tomography usually show evidence of chronic pancreatitis and may demonstrate a pseudocyst (1,2,4). MRCP, which is noninvasive and does not require additional contrast, has been used to show PPF in adults (4).…”

“…Pancreaticopleural fistula is described as a complication of alcohol‐related chronic pancreatitis in adults (1–5). We found only one report of PPF in children.…”

“…Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare sequel of chronic pancreatitis in adults (1–5). We describe a child with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis who presented with a massive pleural effusion caused by PPF.…”