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Pleural effusions: a new negative prognostic parameter for acute pancreatitis
P G Lankisch1, M Dröge, R Becher
1Department of Internal Medicine, Municipal Hospital of Lüneburg, Germany.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Pleural effusions in acute pancreatitis patients indicate severe disease and a worse prognosis. This complication was observed in 50% of patients, correlating with pancreatic necrosis and higher mortality.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition with potential complications.
- Pleural effusions can occur in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, location, and size of pleural effusions in acute pancreatitis.
- To assess the relationship between pleural effusions and disease severity, complications, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 133 patients with acute pancreatitis.
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans obtained within 72 hours of admission.
Main Results:
- Pleural effusions were present in 50% of patients (66 out of 133).
- Patients with pleural effusions had more severe pancreatic morphological changes and necrosis.
- Pleural effusions were associated with pancreatic pseudocysts and increased mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Pleural effusions are a significant indicator of severe acute pancreatitis.
- The presence of pleural effusions is a negative prognostic factor for acute pancreatitis outcomes.