A Case of Chronic Pancreatitis with Massive Pleural Effusion / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

ABSTRACT

Massive pancreatic pleural effusion is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis. It results from leakage of pancreatic secretion into the pleural space through the aortic or esophageal hiatus, either by a pancreatic duct disruption or communicating pseudocyst. The presentation of the pancreatic pleural effusion is often misleading as respiratory rather than abdominal symptoms because of predominance of pulmonary complaints. Markedly elevated amylase level of the pleural fluid is highly suggestive of the diagnosis. We experienced a case of chronic pancreatitis with massive pleural effusion in a 9-year-old female, who presented with a 6-months history of intermittent abdominal pain, and cough and chest pain for 3 days.