[Pancreatic phlegmon]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Abdominal Imaging

Context:

• Acute pancreatitis can lead to severe complications like pancreatic phlegmon.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Purpose:

• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and natural history of pancreatic phlegmon.
• To highlight the utility of ultrasonography in differentiating pancreatic phlegmon from pseudocysts.

Summary:

• Reports on seven patients diagnosed with pancreatic phlegmon based on symptoms, lab data, and imaging.
• Ultrasonography proved effective in distinguishing phlegmon from pancreatic pseudocysts.
• Observed a clinical course up to four months, with a tendency towards spontaneous resolution.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the clinical evolution and management of pancreatic phlegmon.
• Emphasizes the role of imaging in diagnosing this severe pancreatic inflammatory condition.