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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Published on: March 15, 2024
Pancreatitis with infected pseudocyst presenting as a prevertebral abscess with spontaneous rupture into the
Madan Shivakumar1, Sagar Prakash1, Oseen Hajilal Shaikh1
1Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education, Puducherry, Pondicherry, India.
Abstract:
The development of a prevertebral abscess due to an infected pancreatic pseudocyst and its spontaneous rupture into the oesophagus is a rare complication. We report a man who presented with odynophagia, dyspnoea and abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced CT showed evidence of pancreatitis and a prevertebral space abscess communicating with the pancreas through the oesophageal hiatus. The patient was diagnosed to have a prevertebral abscess with chronic pancreatitis. Surgical drainage was planned, but the patient died of spontaneous drainage of the prevertebral abscess into the oesophagus and aspiration of the collection into the lungs.
Insights
A rare case of prevertebral abscess from an infected pancreatic pseudocyst that ruptured into the esophagus is presented. This complication led to fatal aspiration pneumonia in the patient.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Prevertebral abscesses are uncommon, particularly those originating from infected pancreatic pseudocysts.
- Spontaneous rupture into the esophagus represents a rare and severe complication.
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