Pancreaticopleural fistula causing amylase-rich pleural effusion: Case series from a rural tertiary care hospital
Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare (<1%) complication of acute and/or chronic pancreatitis which causes recurrent massive pleural effusions. Patient presents with respiratory symptoms rather than abdominal symptoms, which makes the diagnosis challenging and delayed. Amylase-rich pleural e...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Lung India |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_515_24 |
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| Summary: | Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare (<1%) complication of acute and/or chronic pancreatitis which causes recurrent massive pleural effusions. Patient presents with respiratory symptoms rather than abdominal symptoms, which makes the diagnosis challenging and delayed. Amylase-rich pleural effusions have been reported in pancreatic diseases, oesophageal rupture, and malignant pleural effusions. Pancreatitis-related effusion including PPF should be kept in mind when a patient with chronic alcohol consumption presents with an effusion and PF amylase may aid with diagnosis. We present a case series of four young males with a history of recurrent massive pleural effusions and their varied clinical presentations, diagnostic work-up, approach and management in a rural tertiary care hospital in south India, thus contributing to literature as well emphasizing the importance of such easily available biomarkers in day-to-day practice. |
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| ISSN: | 0970-2113 0974-598X |