Endoscopic management of pleural effusion caused by a pancreatic pleural fistula

J Postgrad Med. 2020 Oct-Dec;66(4):206-208. doi: 10.4103/jpgm.JPGM_720_20.

Abstract

Pancreatic-pleural fistula (PPF) is a rare sequela of pancreatitis. High degree of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose a PPF. Confirmation is done by high amylase content in pleural fluid analysis. Here, we present two cases with varied presentation of PPF. A 43-year-old man presented with acute on chronic pancreatitis with bilateral (predominantly right) pleural effusion. Another 57-year-old man, previously diagnosed with chronic calcific pancreatitis, presented with left pleural effusion. Both cases were effectively managed with endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting.

Keywords: ERCP; pancreatic duct stenting; pancreatic.pleural fistula; pancreatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatic Ducts / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Ducts / pathology
  • Pancreatic Ducts / surgery*
  • Pancreatic Fistula / complications
  • Pancreatic Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Fistula / surgery*
  • Pancreatitis, Chronic / complications*
  • Pancreatitis, Chronic / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Diseases / therapy
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology
  • Pleural Effusion / surgery*
  • Stents*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome