Pancreatic pseudocyst

Causes and Risks:
Pancreatic pseudocysts develop between 1 and 4 weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis , often disrupting the pancreatic ducts. The cause is unknown. Risk factors are acute pancreatitis, abdominal trauma, and chronic pancreatitis . The incidence is 1 out of 1000 people.

Prevention:
There is no known way to prevent this disorder.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:
A mass (aggregation of cells) may be able to be felt in the middle or left upper abdomen.

Tests that may help diagnose pancreatic pseudocyst include:



Treatment:
Treatment depends upon the size and the condition of the cyst; many resolve spontaneously. Surgical or endoscopic drainage (using an endoscope, a device with a light that can be used to view the inside of a body cavity) of cysts may be indicated.

Prognosis:
The probable outcome is good with treatment.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if persistent abdominal pain develops.

Call your health care provider if signs of pancreatic abscess develop (such as fever , chills, and abdominal pain).

Rupture of the cyst is an emergency situation; go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if fainting , severe abdominal pain, decreased consciousness , rapid heartbeat , or similar symptoms that may indicate bleeding and shock develop.


This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.



The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.



A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a pseudocyst in the corpus, or tail, of the pancreas.