Unusual Configuration of a Giant Trans-Spatial Pancreatic Pseudocyst with Spontaneous Shrinkage: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Pancreatic pseudocysts are benign lesions that typically originate within the pancreatic parenchyma, or peripancreatic tissue. They commonly occur following recurrent episodes of pancreatitis or trauma. In this article, we present a case of a giant pancreatic pseudocyst with unusual trans-spatial extensions and spontaneous size decrement in a 40-year-old male patient with a history of alcohol abuse. He presented with chronic epigastric pain, and a physical examination showed only mild abdominal tenderness. Initial computed tomography showed a giant (18.4cm in its largest axis) pancreatic pseudocyst with left subdiaphragmatic and gastrohepatic extensions and concurrent splenic cysts. On follow-up ultrasound, the pseudocyst showed a significant spontaneous size decrement to less than half of its initial size. The giant size and trans-spatial characteristics of the pseudocyst, along with a relatively benign symptomatology and subsequent spontaneous shrinkage, constitute unique aspects of this case.

Keywords:

• pseudocyst
• giant pseudocyst
• pancreatitis
• multiplanar CT
• spontaneous drainage

Abbreviations

CT, Computed Tomography; MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging; CBC, Complete blood count; ABV, Alcohol by volume.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethical Consideration

To publish this case report and related images, we received written informed consent from the patient. Institutional permit is not required for a case report.

Acknowledgment

We thank the patient for allowing the publication of this case report.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or in all these areas; they took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

There was no specific grant provided for this work by public, private, or nonprofit funding organizations.