Pseudocyst of the pancreas

The opprtunity for the development of a pseudocyst is provided whenever disease or trauma results in theescape of enzymes from the parenchyma or ductal system of the pancreas. Pseudocysts range from smallintrapancreatic collections to huge cavities with thick walls and frequently results in various life-threatneningcomplications. Examination of the stomach and duodenum with barium meal is essential for diagnosis of pancreaticpseudocyst. During 7 years, 19 cases of surgically proved pancreatic pseudocyst at Seoul National University areanalysed. The ratif of male and female was 3:1 and peak incidence is between 30-50 years. Abdominal pain,tenderness, weight loss, and palpable mass are frequent symptoms. Most frequent outstanding etiologic factors arepancreatitis in 9 cases and blunt abdominal trauma in 3 cases, all of them are children. Most common and importantradiologic finding is retrogastric space widening and extrinsic copression. The location of pseudocyst is mainlyin body and tail in 17 cases. Exception is 2 cases located in head portion.