Pancreaticopleural Fistula Causing Massive Right Hydrothorax and Respiratory Failure. (22nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, Esther Ern-Hwei; Shelat, Vishalkumar Girishchandra
• Other Names: Olsha Oded Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in surgery. Volume 2016(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-09-22
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative; General Surgery; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/8294056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6900

Abstract

Abstract : Hydrothorax secondary to a pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. In patients with a history of pancreatitis, diagnosis is made by detection of amylase in the pleural exudate. Imaging, particularly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, aids in the detection of pancreatic ductal disruption. Management includes thoracocentesis and pancreatic duct drainage or pancreatic resection procedures. We present a case of massive right hydrothorax secondary to a PPF due to recurrent acute pancreatitis. Due to respiratory failure, urgent thoracocentesis was done. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and cholecystectomy was performed. The patient remains well at one-year follow-up.