Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Rare Complication of Alcoholic Pancreatitis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Robotic Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy for Chronic Pancreatitis
Published on: December 14, 2019
Malek Ayoub1, Janna Ochoa2, Daniel Cibich3
1Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, USA.
Abstract:
Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is an uncommon complication of chronic pancreatitis. The authors describe a case of a 41-year-old male with a history of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst who presented with dyspnea and right-sided chest pain for three days. A chest radiograph showed near-complete opacification of the right hemithorax. A diagnostic thoracentesis revealed an exudative, amylase-rich pleural effusion. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrated a normal appearance of the ampulla of Vater and common bile duct; however, there was disruption of the pancreatic duct with leaking beyond the pancreatic neck. A sphincterotomy was performed, and a double-flanged stent was placed, which resulted in the resolution of the dyspnea and the right-sided pleural effusion.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

