Pancreaticobronchial fistula diagnosed by MDCT

Abstract

Pancreatic duct disruption is a serious complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis. These ruptures may cause collections of pancreatic secretion leading to ascites but also to pleural or mediastinal effusions. Rupture into the bronchial tree, resulting in a pancreaticobronchial fistula, is also possible, but it is a rare complication. It should be considered if a patient with pancreatitis develops respiratory symptoms and requires cross-sectional imaging to identify pancreaticobronchial fistulae.