Recurrent lobar infiltrate and chronic pancreatitis

Recurrent left lower lobe infiltrates have not been described previously in association with chronic pancreatitis. We report a patient with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis and recurrent haemoptysis, left pleuritic chest pain and left lower lobe infiltrates who was treated successfully by distal pancreatectomy. Pancreaticobronchial fistula is a likely aetiology, although this was not confirmed anatomically in our case. The diagnosis should be considered in unexplained cases of recurring radiological abnormalities that are associated with chronic pancreatitis.