Study about Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Cause of Recurrent Pleural Effusions in Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is an uncommon and serious complication of chronic pancreatitis. PPF needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of recurrent and large pleural effusions especially in middle-aged men with a history of alcohol consumption. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, since the patients present typically with the pulmonary symptoms related to the pleural effusion rather than pancreatitis. Patients may initially present with dyspnea, or chest tightness, with or without a history of abdominal pain or steatorrhea. Computer tomography (CT) of the abdomen or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the gold standard for diagnosis. Conservative, surgical, or endoscopic management treatment modalities are available. Patients with PPF receive conservative treatment initially and are subjected to surgery or ERCP treatment if their condition does not fully respond.

Objectives of Study:

Identify the Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF), the rare cause of recurrent pleural effusion.
Evaluation of PPF in patients with chronic pancreatitis, presenting with recurrent pleural effusions.
Management options available for PPF.