[Pleural effusion secondary to pancreaticopleural fistula following acute pancreatitis]

Abstract

Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis, requiring medical (somatostatin), endoscopic or surgical treatment, with medical treatment being the first option. We describe the case of a 64-year-old man who showed complete disruption of Wirsung's duct that was diagnosed through ultrasound endoscopy and was complicated by the development of a subphrenic collection, diaphragm perforation and subsequent empyema. Medical therapy was attempted without success, and anatomical restoration of the duct was achieved after endoscopic treatment. The patient also required surgery to evacuate the pleural collection.