[Pancreaticopleural fistula formation: a rare complication in chronic pancreatitis].
Pleural effusions are found in 3 to 17% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. The most likely underlying pathogenetic mechanism is transdiaphragmatic lymphatic transfer of pancreatic secretions to the subpleural space, whilst a rare cause is the formation of pancreatico-pleural fistulae. The measurement of amylase activity in the pleural fluid has considerable diagnostic value and in most cases the diagnosis is verified by endoscopic retrograde pancreaticography (ERP). A case report is presented and forms the basis for a discussion of pathogenesis, diagnostic problems and therapeutic management of pleural effusions in chronic pancreatitis.
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004724:Endoscopy; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010185:Pancreatic Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications*; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography
Pankreatiko-pleurale Fistelbildung: Eine seltene Komplikation bei chronischer Pankreatitis.