An Unusual Case of Recurrent Pleural Effusion in a Child

Abstract

Traumatic pancreatitis in children rarely results in the development of a recalcitrant pleural effusion, secondary to a connection between the pleural cavity and the pancreas. This child presented with predominantly respiratory symptoms of an underlying abdominal condition. Patients with large, recurring pleural effusions may have underlying pancreatitis with a pancreaticopleural fistula. It is important to establish this diagnosis because treatment may require operative interventions as in the index case. Keywords Traumatic pancreatitis, Recurrent pleural effusion, Pancreaticopleural fistula, Pancreatic pseudocyst, Children. > African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol. 3 (2) 2006: pp. 80-82