Perforation of pancreatic pseudocyst diagnosed with endoscopy and treated with percutaneous drainage

Abstract

Perforation is a rare but fatal complication of pancreatic pseudocysts. It is generally diagnosed by computed tomography imaging with hemorrhagic ascites and pneumoperitoneum. Traditionally, surgery was the mainstream for treating this critical state. Recently, alternative therapies have also been deemed useful. Herein, we describe the case of a 54-year-old with perforation of pancreatic pseudocyst which was confirmed by endoscopy, and managed by endoscopic and percutaneous drainage. The patient was initially referred to our hospital for treatment of a pancreatic pseudocyst with hemorrhagic ascites and underwent endoscopic ultrasonographic-guided stent placement. The next day, imaging demonstrated pneumoperitoneum and worsening ascites consistent with perforation, and the patient was treated conservatively. One week later, the patient developed severe abdominal pain. Endoscopy showed a large perforation site inside the pseudocyst connected to a large fluid collection and direct visualization inside the pseudocyst and fluid collection. The fluid collection was treated with percutaneous drainage, and the patient was discharged one week later with no complications.