title: Spontaneous resolution of pancreatic pseudocysts: implications for timing of operative intervention.
abstract: Approximately half the clinical diagnoses of pancreatic pseudocysts will be erroneous if made during the acute phase of coexisting pancreatitis. Since self-limiting peripancreatic edema may clinically simulate pseudocyst, previous natural history information is subject to question. Occasional spontaneous resolution of a pseudocyst has been confirmed in five patients using serial ultrasound studies. It appears that although most pseudocysts maintain dimensional stability, a few may exhibit relatively rapid changes in volume. The pathophysiologic and surgical implications of these observations are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010181:Pancreatic Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography