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Intrapancreatic cysts associated with relapsing pancreatitis
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Intrapancreatic cysts, often linked to elevated amylase, can resolve spontaneously. Many patients with these pancreatic cysts benefit from non-operative management, as complications are infrequent.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Relapsing pancreatitis can be associated with intrapancreatic cysts.
- These cysts may present with prolonged elevation of serum amylase levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the characteristics and management of intrapancreatic cysts.
- To determine the efficacy of non-operative management for intrapancreatic cysts.
Main Methods:
- Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (E.R.P.) was used to diagnose cysts in nine patients.
- Patients were managed non-operatively or surgically based on symptoms and cyst characteristics.
Main Results:
- Cysts ranged from 0.6 cm to 5 cm in diameter.
- One patient developed intracystic hemorrhage with obstructive jaundice, requiring surgery.
- Four patients underwent laparotomy for persistent abdominal pain, with varied surgical outcomes.
- Four patients were observed non-operatively for 4-24 months, showing symptom improvement or resolution.
- Repeat E.R.P. in one patient showed no cyst outline; another had a normal barium meal X-ray after initial abnormality.
Conclusions:
- Intrapancreatic cysts can be managed effectively without surgery.
- Complications associated with these cysts appear infrequent.
- Spontaneous resolution of intrapancreatic cysts is a possible outcome.