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Retroperitoneal dissection of a pancreatic pseudocyst to the left inguinal region
Abstract:
We describe a patient in whom retroperitoneal dissection of an infected pseudocyst of the pancreas into the left inguinal region imitated an incarcerated hernia. The high level of diastase (32,000 units/ml) in the fluid from the inguinal region and the roentgenologically demonstrated communication between the pancreas and the left inguinal region proved that the source of the fluid was the pancreas. The appearance of a mass in the inguinal region in an alcoholic patient who has recently had pancreatitis should arouse suspicion of an origin in a dissecting pseudocyst of the pancreas.
Insights
A pancreatic pseudocyst can dissect into the groin, mimicking an incarcerated hernia. High diastase levels in inguinal fluid and imaging confirmed pancreatic origin, suggesting this rare presentation in alcoholic patients with pancreatitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Pancreatic pseudocysts are fluid collections that can develop following pancreatitis.
- These pseudocysts can sometimes dissect into adjacent anatomical spaces.
- Inguinal masses are commonly associated with hernias, but other causes should be considered.