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Mediastinal pancreatic pseudocysts in children
T M Crombleholme1, A A deLorimier, N S Adzick
1Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Mediastinal pseudocysts, rare pancreatitis complications, require imaging and fluid analysis for diagnosis in children. Consider this diagnosis for unexplained thoracic or abdominal masses.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Mediastinal pseudocysts are rare complications of pancreatitis.
- Only four pediatric cases have been previously reported.
- Diagnosis requires advanced imaging and fluid analysis.
Observation:
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can define pseudocyst extent.
- Preoperative aspiration of cyst fluid for amylase level confirms diagnosis.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) aids in planning drainage.
Findings:
- Mediastinal pseudocysts are exceedingly rare in children.
- Diagnosis should be considered for any cystic mass in the abdomen or thorax.
- The diagnosis is possible even without elevated amylase or pancreatitis history.
Implications:
- Early consideration of mediastinal pseudocysts is crucial for pediatric patients.
- Multimodality imaging and diagnostic procedures are essential.
- This condition highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for cystic masses.