Acute pancreatitis in children: CT findings of intra- and extrapancreatic fluid collections.

PURPOSE: To determine the location and importance of fluid collections in children with acute pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans of 28 children with acute pancreatitis. CT scans were evaluated for pancreatic size and distribution of intra- and extrapancreatic fluid collections. Extrapancreatic fluid was classified as (a) peritoneal, (b) retroperitoneal, (c) mesenteric, or (d) ligamentous.

RESULTS

Fourteen children (50%) had complicated pancreatitis associated with fluid collections. Intrapancreatic fluid was identified in only two patients (7%), whereas extrapancreatic fluid was seen in 14 (50%). Extrapancreatic fluid was most often seen in the anterior pararenal space, followed by the lesser sac, lesser omentum, and transverse mesocolon. The fluid collections diminished spontaneously in 11 patients (78%). Three patients with persistent fluid collections required surgical intervention for associated abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

Intrapancreatic fluid collections are rare in children with pancreatitis. Extrapancreatic fluid collections tend to be extensive, but most diminish spontaneously.