1 INTRODUCTION
Pancreatitis is associated with a range of local and systemic
complications (1,2). However, fistula formation is noted in only a very
small proportion of patients with acute pancreatitis (3). These fistulas
are generally a result of disruption of the pancreatic duct, which may
be due to several etiologies such as trauma, surgical trauma, pancreatic
resection, or those causing pancreatitis (4). Pancreatic duct disruption
results in fluid leakage, which causes erosion and formation of
pathways, the locations of which depend on the anatomic location of the
duct disruption (4). Management of pancreatic fistulas includes medical
and nutritional optimization, surgical interventions, endoscopic
treatments, and catheter drainage (3, 5-7).
Pseudocysts associated with acute pancreatitis are loculated fluid
collections that are rich in amylase and usually develop within 2 weeks
of onset of pancreatitis (8). They may be intra- or extra-pancreatic,
are inflammatory, and lack a true epithelial lining. Just like
pancreatic fistulae, pancreatic pseudocysts generally develop secondary
to disruption of the pancreatic duct, and resolve spontaneously unless
they develop complications (8). The management of pancreatic pseudocysts
includes but is not limited to, percutaneous, endoscopic, and surgical
drainage among others (9-11).
Among these complications, pancreatic pseudocyst stands as a rare but
significant entity. A pancreatic pseudocyst represents an abnormal fluid
collection originating from the pancreas and can arise as a consequence
of acute or chronic pancreatitis and remains relatively uncommon in
clinical practice.
The clinical presentation of pancreatic pseudocyst may include abdominal
pain, fever, and biochemical abnormalities indicative of pancreatic
injury.
In this report, we present a case of pancreatic pseudocyst formation
secondary to pancreatitis in a 42-year-old male, highlighting the
clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, therapeutic interventions,
and outcomes. Through this case, we aim to underscore the importance of
early recognition and appropriate management of pancreatic pseudocysts
to prevent complications and optimize patient outcomes.