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BACKGROUND: A pancreatic duct rupture can lead to various complications such as a fistula, pseudocyst, ascites, or walled-off necrosis. Due to pleural effusion, pancreaticopleural fistula typically causes dyspnea and chest pain. Leaks of enzyme-rich pancreatic fluid forming a pleural effusion can be verified in a thoracocentesis following radiological imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography. While management strategies range from a conservative to endoscopic and surgical approach, we report a case with successful minimally invasive treatment of pancreaticopleural fistula and effusion. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a patient with pancreaticopleural fistula and successful minimally invasive surgical treatment. A 62-year old Caucasian man presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea. A computed tomography scan identified a left-sided cystoid formation, extending from the abdominal cavity into the left hemithorax with concomitant pleural effusion. Pleural effusion analysis indicated significantly elevated pancreatic enzymes. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a rupture of the pancreatic duct and nearby fluid accumulation. Endosonography later confirmed proximity to the tail of the pancreas, suggesting a pancreatic pseudocyst with visible tract into the pancreas. We assumed a pancreatic duct rupture with a fistula from the tail of the pancreas transdiaphragmatically into the left hemithorax with a commencing pleural empyema. A visceral and parietal decortication on the left hemithorax and a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. The suspected diagnosis of a fistula arising from the pancreatic duct was confirmed histologically. CONCLUSION: Pancreaticopleural fistulas often have a long course and may remain undiagnosed for a long time. At this point diagnostic management and therapy demand a high level of expertise. In instances of unclear symptomatic pleural effusion, considering an abdominal focus is crucial. If endoscopic treatment is not feasible, minimally invasive surgery should strongly be considered, especially when located in the distal pancreas.

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Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst. It can present as recurrent pleural effusions and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. We present the case of a 37-year-old male with a history of chronic idiopathic pancreatitis complicated by a pseudocyst who came in with progressive dyspnea, cough, and pleuritic chest pain. The chest X-ray on presentation showed near-complete opacification of the left hemithorax, suggesting a large pleural effusion. Upon thoracentesis, black-bloody fluid was drained, and the pleural fluid analysis was consistent with an exudate with significantly elevated levels of amylase, lipase, and bilirubin. Cytology revealed abundant lipofuscin-laden macrophages, suggesting an intra-abdominal source of the accumulated fluid. A post-drainage CT of the chest showed the resolution of the pleural effusion and an interval decrease in the pancreatic pseudocyst size, indicating a fistulous connection to the pleural space. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was performed with efforts to perform cystogastrostomy aspiration that was hindered by the interference of splenic vasculature obstructing the needle's path. The patient was transferred to another facility for definitive treatment with surgical pancreatectomy and auto islet cell transplant. This case underscores the importance of considering PPF as a possible diagnosis, especially in cases of recurrent pleural effusions and a history of pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst. It also emphasizes the significance of EUS as the preferred modality for pseudocyst evaluation and its potential for minimally invasive treatment.

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Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of pancreatitis. We present a rare case of pancreaticopleural fistula in a 43-year-old alcoholic male. He presented with recurrent episodes of left pleural effusion that were managed with aspiration and chest tube placement. An MRI of the chest and upper abdomen revealed a pancreaticopleural fistula. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy. The surgical approach was our first-line management due to the unavailability of octreotide and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. His recovery was complicated by an empyema that was managed by tube thoracostomy and IV antibiotics. There was no issue detected at his 3-month follow-up clinic visit.

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Black pleural effusions (BPEs) are an exceedingly rare class of exudative effusions of unexplored causality. Their characteristic pitch-black coloring and striking first appearance upon thoracocentesis make them a bewildering occurrence even for seasoned physicians. Forming a free-from-error diagnostic work-up can be arduous and largely depends on thorough history-taking, deliberate imaging studies, and the correct biochemical profile. The upcoming article aims to raise awareness of this pathology by presenting our experience with a BPE after an episode of acute-on-chronic (ACP) pancreatitis and the confounding route to achieving the correct diagnosis and forming the precise therapeutic approach to this scenario. Keeping in mind that this is not a common clinical case, we strive to dispel some misconceptions and thus avoid any subsequent complications and delays in diagnosis when treating this type of effusions and their underlying pathology.

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INTRODUCTION: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication most associated with alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis. This usually presents with chest symptoms instead of abdominal ones. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in patients with pancreatitis and persistent pleural effusions. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of an 81-years-old man admitted in the emergency department with a one week complaints of productive cough, fever, dyspnea and left-side chest pain. The chest X-ray revealed a moderated-volume left-side pleural effusion. The pleural fluid analysis was consistent with an exsudative pleural effusion with high levels of amylase. The thoracoabdominal CT raised the suspicion of a pancreaticopleural fistula, confirmed by ERCP. A pancreatic main duct stenting was performed with good results. The patient was discharged asymptomatic after 18 days of hospitalization. DISCUSSION: Because of PPF insidious presentation it poses a great number of differential diagnosis, so pleural fluid analysis is of paramount importance with high levels of amylase confirming the diagnosis. MRCP and ERCP may establish the fistulous tract between the pancreatic duct and the pleural cavity, with the latter being also therapeutic. CONCLUSION: The rarity of this complication related to pancreatitis and the seldomly presence of abdominal pain in contrast with chest symptoms poses a diagnostic challenge.

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BACKGROUND: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of pancreatitis and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case report sheds light on the unique challenges posed by pancreaticopleural fistula as a rare complication of pancreatitis. The aim is to contribute valuable insights to the scientific literature by presenting a case involving a middle-aged man with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and associated pleural effusion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old Asian male with a history of pancreatitis and chronic alcohol use presented with severe dyspnea, chest pain, and left-sided pleural effusion. Elevated serum amylase lipase levels and imaging confirmed acute necrotizing pancreatitis with a computed tomography severity index of 8/10. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed pancreatic necrosis and pseudocyst formation and findings suggestive of pancreaticopleural fistula. The patient was then treated with octreotide therapy. CONCLUSION: The management of pancreaticopleural fistula demands a comprehensive and individualized approach. Recognition guided by high clinical suspicion coupled with appropriate investigations and a careful balance between medical, endoscopic, and surgical interventions is crucial for achieving favorable outcomes. This case report adds to the scientific literature by providing insights into the complexities of pancreaticopleural fistula and emphasizing the importance of personalized strategies in its management.

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Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare but serious complication caused by pancreatic lesions that presents primarily with respiratory tract symptoms and pleural effusion. We report a paediatric case of PPF without any respiratory symptoms throughout the course of the disease, including cough or shortness of breath, with only a bulging chest as the first symptom. Imaging revealed a large left pleural effusion and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed a fistula formed between the pancreatic tail and the pleural cavity, which penetrated the diaphragm and opened in the central tendon of the diaphragm. The patient eventually underwent resection of the pancreatic tail lesion and repair of the diaphragmatic fistula and recovered soon thereafter.

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Pleural effusion can be a complication of pancreatic diseases. Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication arising as a result of chronic pancreatitis that causes recurrent pleural effusions often resistant to thoracentesis. Diagnosis of PPF can be delayed, and presentation with respiratory symptoms related to pleural effusion is common. Elevated pleural fluid amylase and lipase levels are always helpful, but final diagnosis mostly requires demonstration of fistula on imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Here, we present a case of PPF leading to recurrent pleural effusions, treated with stent placement.

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Transdiaphragmatic fistulae are rare conditions characterized by pathological communication between two epithelium-lined surfaces. Hepato-thoracic fistula consists of abnormal communication between the liver and/or the biliary system and the thorax; while the pancreaticopleural fistula consists of abnormal communication between the pancreas and the thorax, the pleuro-biliary fistula represents the more common type. Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings are generally non-specific (e.g., thoracic and abdominal pain, dyspnea, cough, neutrophilia, elevated CPR, and bilirubin values) and initially, first-level investigations, such as chest RX and abdominal ultrasound, are generally inconclusive for the diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced CT represents the first two-level radiological imaging technique, usually performed to identify and evaluate the underlying pathology sustained by transdiaphragmatic fistulae, their complications, and the evaluation of the fistulous tract. When the CT remains inconclusive, other techniques such as MRI and MRCP can be performed. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial because the recognition of fistulae and the precise definition of the fistulous tract have a major impact on the management acquisition process.

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Black pleural effusions (BPE) are rare, exudative pleural effusions that produce a black fluid on thoracentesis. While the name and definition of this pathology is undeniably simple, the etiologies, outcomes, and treatments for BPE are incredibly complex. Currently, BPE is not well-demonstrated in the literature. This case series reports three patients with different etiologies, past medical histories, presenting symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. BPE caused by pancreatic-pleural fistula and opportunistic infections are demonstrated in this case series. This report shows that early identification and treatment of the underlying cause of BPE is critical to the recovery of the patients.

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Pancreaticopleural fistula should be considered in alcohol abusers with pleural effusion, which can exhibit a black color.

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Introduction: Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a serious complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of various endoscopic techniques for the treatment of patients with PPFs. Methodology: Prospective analysis of the results of endoscopic treatment of 22 patients with PPF due to pancreatitis was conducted at the Department of General, Gastroenterological, and Oncological Surgery, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, between 2018 and 2021. Results: PPF was diagnosed in 22 patients (21 men and 1 woman; mean age 49.52 [30-67] years) with pancreatitis. In 19/22 (86.36%) patients, PPF communicated with the left pleural cavity and in 3/22 (13.64%) patients with the right pleural cavity. Chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed in 14/22 (63.64%) patients. Symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections were found in 15/22 (68.18%) patients with PPF (pancreatic pseudocyst in 11 and walled-off pancreatic necrosis in four patients). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed in 21/22 (95.45%) patients, confirming the diagnosis of PPF. All 21 patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy with prosthesis implantation in the main pancreatic duct (passive transpapillary drainage). In 1/22 (4.55%) patients, active transmural/transgastric drainage of the PPF was necessary due to inflammatory infiltration of the peripapillary region, precluding endoscopic pancreatography. Endoscopic transmural drainage was performed in all the 15 patients with pancreatic fluid collection. Clinical success was achieved in 21/22 (95.45%) patients. The mean total time of endotherapy was 191 (range 88-712) days. Long-term success of endoscopic treatment of PPFs during one year follow-up period was achieved in 19/22 (86.36%) patients. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment is effective for managing post-inflammatory PPFs. The preferred treatment method is passive transpapillary drainage (prosthesis of the main pancreatic duct). If transpapillary drainage is not feasible, transmural drainage of the PPF remains the preferred method. Endoscopic transmural drainage leads to closure of the fistula canal in patients with pancreatic fluid collection complicated by PPF.

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Background: Pancreaticopleural fistula, an abnormal communication between the pancreas and the pleural cavity, is a rare complication of pancreatic disease in children and is mainly associated with acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, trauma or iatrogenicinjury. The present review presents the current available data concerning the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and management of this unusual but difficult clinical problem among children, in order to shed light on its pathologic manifestation and raise clinical suspicion.Methods: The review of the literature was performed through a PubMed search of pediatric original articles and case reports, using the key words "pancreaticopleural fistula", "pancreatitis", "pleural effusion", "pseudocyst" and "children". The literature search revealed 47 cases of pediatric patients with pancreaticopleural fistula.Results: Diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history, physical examination and imaging, while the cornerstone of diagnosis is the presence of high pleural effusion amylase levels. The management of this disorder includes conservative, endoscopic and surgical treatment options. If treated promptly and properly, this clinical entity could have a lower rate of complications.Conclusions: The incidence of pancreaticopleural fistula in children may be underestimated in the literature, due to a reduced degree of clinical suspicion. A more heightened awareness of this entity is needed to improve the quality of life in children that suffer from this condition, as early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and improved outcome.

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A pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis secondary to a pancreatic pseudocyst or any disruption of the main pancreatic duct. It commonly presents as a recurrent left-sided pleural effusion after multiple thoracentesis. We present a rare case of a 41-year-old woman with numerous flares of chronic pancreatitis presenting with large bilateral serosanguinous pleural effusions and trapped lung secondary to a PPF. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a PPF leading to bilateral pleural effusions resulting in a trapped lung.

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Chronic pancreatitis presents with epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Acute pancreatitis can also present with a pleural effusion which is typically left-sided, mild in nature, and self-limiting. However, recurrent bouts of pancreatitis may lead to a pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) with a large, rapidly recurring, unilateral pleural effusion. Among patients with PPF, the most common presenting complaint is dyspnea. We present the case of a 53-year-old man with recurrent bouts of pancreatitis in the setting of alcohol who presented with progressively worsening shortness of breath. A high-resolution computed topography scan of the thorax demonstrated a large right-sided pleural effusion. A thoracentesis was performed with pleural fluid studies showing an exudative effusion with amylase significantly elevated at 18 382 U/L. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed which showed a pancreatic duct leak in the tail of the pancreas. A pancreatic sphincterotomy was performed, and a stent was placed into the ventral pancreatic duct. The patient's shortness of breath improved, and he was discharged home with outpatient follow-up. The aim of this report is to present the diagnosis of a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis and discuss the management and options for treatment.

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Pancreaticopleural fistulas (PPF) are a rare etiology of pleural effusions. We describe a case of a 61-year-old man, with left chest pain with six months of progression who presented with a large volume unilateral pleural effusion. A thoracentesis was performed, which showed a dark reddish fluid(exudate) and high content of pancreatic amylase. After that an abdominal computed tomography (CT)and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was done, revealing fistulous pathways that originated in the pancreas. The patient was admitted for conservative and endoscopic treatment by Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and a prosthesis was placed on a fistulous path. He was discharged without complications, with the resolution of the pleural effusion and fistula.The interest of this case lies in the rarity of the event and absence of symptoms of the probable primary event (acute pancreatitis). The possible iatrogenic association with several drugs of his usual medication makes it even more complex.

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Inflammatory diseases of the pancreas or pancreatic trauma result in ductal cell disruption, which in turn may lead to leakage of pancreatic fluid, mostly in the retroperitoneal space. Pancreatopleural fistulas are uncommonly encountered following pancreatic injury; however, they often prove a difficult problem to manage. Herein, we present a rare case of a 68-year-old male suffering from a pancreaticopleural fistula (PF) between the pancreatic tail and the left pleural space one year following splenectomy for trauma. About three months after percutaneous drainage of a left pleural effusion and left upper quadrant abdominal collection and endoscopic pancreatic duct stent placement, surgical management was decided. Distal pancreatectomy and Roux-en-Y drainage of the pancreatic remnant were successfully performed.

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Pancreaticopleural fistula is an extremely rare complication of pancreatic duct injury. The reported treatments include conservative approaches, such as pleural drainage, and interventional approaches, such as sphincter stenting via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and surgery. However, no specific consensus treatment has been defined. We present 2 cases of pediatric patients with pancreaticopleural fistulas due to pancreatic trauma and pancreatitis that were successfully treated surgically. The most prominent symptom in both cases was dyspnea caused by pleural effusion. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography scans showed large pleural effusions and visible fistulas from the pancreatic duct to the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus and aortic hiatus. Following unsuccessful conservative treatment using pleural drainage, the 2 patients underwent surgical fistulo-jejunostomy and cystojejunostomy. Both patients were stable and were discharged on postoperative days 10 and 12. Conservative treatment for pancreaticopleural fistula often fails, and a surgical approach, such as fistulo-jejunostomy and cystojejunostomy, can serve as an efficacious management strategy when conservative treatment fails.

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Pancreaticopleural fistula is an extremely rare complication of pancreatitis. We present a case of pancreaticopleural fistula in a patient with recurrent acute pancreatitis who presented with right-sided symptomatic pleural effusion. Pancreatic sphincterotomy and pancreatic duct stenting led to resolution of pleural effusion and withdrawal of the chest tube within 3 weeks.