Recurrent Right-sided Massive Pleural Effusion of Pancreatic Etiology

Abstract

ABSTRACTPleural effusion secondary to chronic pancreatitis is an uncommon condition accounting for less than 1% of patients. Patients are alcoholic but only 50% of patients have clinical symptoms and signs of previous pancreatitis. Symptoms are predominantly respiratory than abdominal. Raised pleural fluid amylase level in hemorrhagic fluid is diagnostic of pancreatic pleural effusion. Presence of pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) can be demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) imaging or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), but these imaging methods sometimes fail to demonstrate fistulous tract. Herewith, we are presenting a rare case of recurrent right-sided massive pleural effusion secondary to chronic pancreatitis.How to cite this articleNagendra SS, Patil MB. Recurrent Right-sided Massive Pleural Effusion of Pancreatic Etiology. J Med Sci 2016;2(4):62-64.