Pancreaticopleural fistula - A rare complication of pancreatitis.

PRESENTATION: A rare case of pancreaticopleural fistula in a 53-year-old female patient who presented with unsteady gait and shortness of breath on the background of chronic pancreatitis.

DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis was confirmed through MRI, MRCP, and analysis of pleural fluid obtained via thoracentesis.

TREATMENT: Diagnosis was confirmed through MRI, MRCP, and analysis of pleural fluid obtained via thoracentesis.

DISCUSSION: This case highlights a rare complication of acute pancreatitis that requires a high index of clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis. Pancreaticopleural fistulas should be considered an important differential diagnosis for pleural effusions, particularly in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Optimal management involves a multidisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, and dieticians.