Impersonation of a ruptured thoracic aneurysm by a transdiaphragmatic pancreatic cyst

Ann Thorac Surg. 2000 May;69(5):1571-3. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(00)01236-4.

Abstract

Pancreatic cysts can, in rare cases, expand into the posterior mediastinum and may require surgical resection. We present the case of a patient with a thoracic aneurysm, in whom the mediastinal involvement of a chronic pancreatic cyst masqueraded as a ruptured aneurysm. Surgery was undertaken: first, the initial resection and drainage of the thoracic portion of the pseudocyst, and second, a thorough cleansing of the entire cyst through median laparotomy 15 days later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / complications*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diaphragm
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Pseudocyst / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Pseudocyst / surgery