Rapid Development And Spontaneous Regression Of Pancreatic Pseudocysts Documented By Ultrasound
Radiology 125(3): Dec 1977; 789-793
View Original Source →Case Details
Personal Characteristics
A 52-year-old woman with a history of chronic pancreatitis and heavy alcohol intake in the past. She had lost 15.5 kilograms (34 pounds) over the previous 5 months and was experiencing abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss.
Clinical Characteristics
Abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, slight fullness and guarding of the right upper quadrant, amylase level of 92 on admission, total bilirubin of 4.7 milligrams, direct bilirubin of 1.5 milligrams, diffuse pancreatic calcification, 6 centimeter sonolucency situated beneath the left lobe of the liver between the inferior vena cava and the aorta.
Remission Characteristics
Decrease in size of the mass to approximately 4 centimeters in diameter 3 weeks after admission, further decrease to a diameter of 2.5 centimeters one week later, complete disappearance after 2 more weeks.
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Peripheral alimentation, central hyperalimentation line insertion.
Additional Notes
The patient continued to improve, with a weight gain of 4 kilograms (9 pounds) and a stable hematocrit at 32%. At discharge, her amylase level was slightly elevated at 420. She has been followed as an outpatient, with later amylase levels at 295 and 313. She has continued to do well, with no complaints of abdominal pain.