What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• PP (Pancreatic Pseudocyst)

What is Pancreatic Pseudocyst? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Pancreatic Pseudocyst (PP) is a fluid-filled sac that develops on the pancreas. They contain pools of pancreatic fluid, debris, and destroyed tissue
• Pseudocysts can range in severity from benign to malignant and cancer-causing
• Most Pancreatic Pseudocysts develop after severe or chronic pancreatitis occurs due to the damage that inflammation and swelling cause to the pancreas
• The prognosis will depend the severity and underlying cause that resulted in a pseudocyst

Who gets Pancreatic Pseudocyst? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• While Pancreatic Pseudocysts can occur in males and females of all ages, it is more likely to occur in adults
• No racial, ethnic or geographical predilection is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Pancreatic Pseudocyst? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors of Pancreatic Pseudocysts include:

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Severe acute pancreatitis
• Heavy alcohol use
• Gallstones
• Abdominal injury

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pancreatic Pseudocyst? (Etiology)

• Most Pancreatic Pseudocysts occur as a result of pancreas damage or inflammation caused by chronic or severe pancreatitis. Damage occurs in individuals with pancreatitis because digestive enzymes are prematurely activated, which causes pancreas irritation
• Cancerous pseudocysts are believed to be caused by genetic mutations
• Abdominal injuries can also cause pseudocysts to develop. When the pancreas becomes punctured or otherwise damaged, fluid can build up and develop into pseudocysts

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Pseudocyst?

Common signs and symptoms of Pancreatic Pseudocysts include:

• Abdomen bloating
• Abdomen pain, which is often persistent 
• Difficulty eating and digesting food
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fainting
• Decreased consciousness
• Abnormal heartbeat

How is Pancreatic Pseudocyst Diagnosed?

• It is often difficult to diagnose Pancreatic Pseudocysts because the signs and symptoms closely resemble other diseases
• Often times, a medical professional will conduct several tests that include:
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • MRI scan of abdomen
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • Transabdominal ultrasound

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pancreatic Pseudocyst?

• Pancreatic Pseudocysts are susceptible to infections. If this occurs, a pancreatic abscess may develop
• It is also possible for the pseudocyst to rupture, which may cause shock or severe hemorrhaging within the abdomen. Severe abdominal shock can even be fatal
• If the size of the pseudocyst grows at an uncontrollable rate, it is possible for the pseudocyst to compress and damage surrounding organs

How is Pancreatic Pseudocyst Treated?

• Treatment of Pancreatic Pseudocysts depends on the size and cause of pseudocyst that is present
• Often times, small Pancreatic Pseudocysts get slowly better and go away on their own. If one remains for more than 6 weeks or is found to be more than 5 centimeters in diameter, most medical professionals suggest that they should be treated
• The treatment options may include:
  • Drainage of the pseudocyst by needle aspiration through the skin (per abdominal needle aspiration)
  • Surgical drainage using a variety of surgical procedures such as cystgastrostomy, cysjejunostomy, or cystduodenostomy

How can Pancreatic Pseudocyst be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no ways to prevent Pancreatic Pseudocysts from developing
• The best preventative measure is to ensure that pancreatitis does not develop by reducing the use of alcohol
• Minimizing risks for gallstones formation is helpful

What is the Prognosis of Pancreatic Pseudocyst? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• To reduce the risk of serious complications, Pancreatic Pseudocysts should be treated quickly
• If treatment is not promptly availed, toxins from the pseudocyst can enter the bloodstream and cause heart, lung, and kidney problems
• The outcome for people who undergo treatment for Pancreatic Pseudocysts is usually good and they are able to resume normal lives

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pancreatic Pseudocyst:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/digestive-center/