Intrasplenic pancreatic pseudocyst complicating severe acute pancreatitis

Since 13 cases of intrasplenic pancreatic pseudocysts have been previously described in the world literature, an additional case is reported. The mechanisms for the development of this lesion are: 1. direct extension of the pancreatic cyst into the splenic hilum; 2. digestive effects of pancreatic enzymes on splenic vasculature and parenchyma; 3. pancreatitis occurring in ectopic intrasplenic pancreatic tissue and 4. liquefaction of splenic infarcts secondary to thrombosis of the splenic vessels. Criteria for diagnosis and current available diagnostic methods are discussed. Early surgical intervention with splenectomy and possibly caudal pancreatectomy, is advocated.