Bridging the Divisum: A Rare Case of Pancreaticopleural Fistula in the Setting of Complete Pancreatic Divisum Treated Endoscopically. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peterson, Rachel; Mukherjee, Samiran; Harne, Prateek Suresh; Quraeshi, Sahir; Sharma, Anuj Vikrant; Masood, Umair; Manocha, Divey
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports. Volume 8(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: pancreas -- biliary tract -- pancreatic divisum -- endoscopy; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1177/2324709620965335
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-7096

Abstract

A pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis that occurs either due to a pancreatic duct disruption or a pseudocyst extension. A pancreatic divisum, on the other hand, is a common anatomic variant of the pancreas that is rarely symptomatic. We describe a case of recurrent pleural effusion in a patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis. Investigations revealed the presence of a PPF and a concomitant complete pancreatic divisum. There was resolution of the pleural effusion on endoscopic therapy. This is the fourth reported case of a PPF in the setting of complete pancreatic divisum and the first reported case in a middle-aged female.