Successful treatment of a pancreatic pseudocyst accompanied by massive hemothorax: a case report

Abstract

BackgroundIt is rare to encounter massive hemothorax as a complication of pancreatic pseudocyst. In addition, as no obvious hypotension and abdominal discomfort were noted, it was difficult to consider gastrointestinal lesion a possibility.Case presentationA 54-year-old Taiwanese man had tightness on the left side of his chest and shortness of breath for 3 days. He had a history of acute pancreatitis 3 months ago. After history taking and a series of examinations including thoracocentesis and computed tomography of his abdomen and chest, the diagnosis was finally confirmed based on the high amylase levels in his pleural fluid.ConclusionsTreatment with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was subsequently successfully performed. Based on our experience, we briefly discuss the currently available treatment options for pancreatic pseudocyst.

A case report of haemothorax associated with asymptomatic pancreatic pseudo cyst

“…Therapeutic interventions are recommended in symptomatic cases of pseudocyst, or where complications develop and in cases where distinction has to be made between pseudocyst and tumour [6]. Bleeding, fistula formation, infection are some of the common complication associated with pseudocyst [1]. In the present case, the patient was diagnosed as left sided haemothorax due to pseudocyst pancreas.…”

“…Non traumatic factors are the least common causes of haemothorax. Left sided haemothorax due to pancreatic pathology is rare [1]. Hemorrhagic pleural effusion is common in alcoholics which has a peak incidence between 20-55 years of age [4].…”

“…Haemothorax is the presence of significant amount of blood in the pleural space [1]. A haemothorax is considered when the haematocrit of the pleura fluid is equal to or more than 50% of the peripheral blood haematocrit [2].…”

“…Comprehensive history taking, physical examination, thoracocentesis and imaging studies are useful in diagnosing these conditions. An unusually overlooked cause of pleural pathology is an intra-abdominal process while haemothorax caused by pancreatic disease is highly rare [1,3].…”