A Rare Cause of Recurrent Pleural Effusion- Pancreaticopleural Fistula

Abstract

Pancreaticopleural fistula is one of the rarest complication of acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion in alcoholic patients presenting with pancreatitis and associated recurrent pleural effusion. Diagnosis is delayed as patients usually present with predominant pulmonary symptoms of dyspnea and chest pain. Hereby authors presented a case, where a 50-year-old chronic alcoholic male presented with chief complains of shortness of breath and chest pain. Based on the chest radiograph, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and pleural fluid analysis diagnosis of pancreaticopleural fistula was made. The patient was managed with intercoastal tube drainage and symptomatic treatment for other complains. Medical management, endoscopic and surgical interventions bring out a good prognosis in pancreaticopleural fistula.

Keywords

• chest pain
• chronic alcoholic
• chronic pancreatitis
• pancreatic pseudocyst
• shortness of breath