Pancreatic pseudocyst in a 4-year-old child

Abstract

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a localized fluid collection that is rich in amylase and other pancreatic enzymes and is surrounded by a wall of fibrous tissue. Pseudocysts are connected to the pancreatic ductal system, through the pancreatic parenchyma. It is caused by pancreatic ductal disruption either due to stenosis, calculi, or protein plugs obstructing the main pancreatic ductal system or as a result of pancreatic necrosis following an attack of acute pancreatitis. Pseudocysts are a common clinical problem and complicate the course of chronic pancreatitis in 30%–40% of patients but rarely seen in children. A case of a 4yr old who presented with abdominal swelling and vomiting. His initial diagnosis after a barium meal study was retrogastric mass such as duplication cyst/mesenteric cyst. However, ultrasound scan confirms a diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocyst. The case is here presented with a literature review.