Recurrent Pleural Effusions Secondary to Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Case Presentation

Pleural effusion can be a complication of pancreatic diseases. Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication arising as a result of chronic pancreatitis that causes recurrent pleural effusions often resistant to thoracentesis. Diagnosis of PPF can be delayed, and presentation with respirat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 15; no. 7; p. e41625
Main Authors:	Shaikh, Ali Tariq, Atiq, Ibrar, Gul, Saqib, Gul, Owais, Ali, Wajiha
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States Cureus Inc 10-07-2023 Cureus
Subjects:	Abdomen Case reports Catheters Cysts Dyspnea Endoscopy Fistula Gastroenterology Internal Medicine Medical imaging Pancreas Pancreatitis Pleural effusion Proteins Pulmonology Thoracentesis Tomography X-rays chronic pancreatitis pancreaticopleural fistula pleural effusion ercp pancreatic pseudocysts
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Summary:	Pleural effusion can be a complication of pancreatic diseases. Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication arising as a result of chronic pancreatitis that causes recurrent pleural effusions often resistant to thoracentesis. Diagnosis of PPF can be delayed, and presentation with respiratory symptoms related to pleural effusion is common. Elevated pleural fluid amylase and lipase levels are always helpful, but final diagnosis mostly requires demonstration of fistula on imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Here, we present a case of PPF leading to recurrent pleural effusions, treated with stent placement.
ISSN:	2168-8184 2168-8184
DOI:	10.7759/cureus.41625