Pancreaticopleural fistula originated from a tiny pancreatic pseudocyst: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND

IMPORTANCE

Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPCs) cause two-thirds of pancreatic cystic diseases; pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF), a rare (0.4% in pancreatic diseases) life-threatening complication, occurs when mediastinal pseudocysts (60% from PPCs) rupture into the thorax, with 4.5% risk in PPC patients (highest in middle-aged males with alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis). Its nonspecific symptoms (dyspnea, mild/absent abdominal pain) delay diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old male with a 3-year recurrent acute pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia was admitted for sudden dyspnea. Labs showed elevated serum/thoracentesis fluid pancreatic enzymes. Imaging (July 2023-April 2025) revealed pancreatic inflammation → pseudocyst → mediastinal cyst coalescence → left pleural effusion. Diagnosed with PPF, he received ultrasound-guided thoracentesis and supportive care; a 2-month follow-up showed resolved effusion and a smaller pseudocyst.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: PPF forms via intracystic pressure elevation, diaphragmatic defects, etc., mostly causing left effusions. Diagnosis relies on pleural fluid amylase (>1000 IU/L), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) (gold standard), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography/ endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Treatment includes conservative management (30%-60% success), endoscopic stenting (50%-86.36% cure), and surgery (for refractory cases).

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should suspect PPF in PPC patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms. Prompt CT and pleural fluid testing aid diagnosis; early management and follow-up improve outcomes.