Pseudocysts
Vikram Deshpande, MD
Key Facts
Terminology
Pancreatic or peripancreatic collection of fluid rich in pancreatic enzymes
Etiology/Pathogenesis
Occurrence parallels that of pancreatitis
Alcoholic abuse is leading cause
Macroscopic Features
Histological evaluation of entire cyst wall is required
Microscopic Pathology
Lining epithelium is not seen
Top Differential Diagnoses
Intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm & mucinous cystic neoplasm
Unilocular serous cystadenoma
 CT image shows a pancreatic pseudocyst  . A unilocular cyst is located in the head of the pancreas. |
 Gross photograph shows a pseudocyst in the tail of the pancreas  . The cyst is filled with hemorrhagic fluid. Note the adjacent spleen  . |
TERMINOLOGY
Definitions
Pancreatic or peripancreatic collection of fluid rich in pancreatic enzymes
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Risk Factors
Most common: Acute pancreatitis
Certain surgical procedures, such as gastrectomy
Rarely, pseudocyst may develop adjacent to pancreatic mass lesion, including adenocarcinoma
CLINICAL ISSUES
Epidemiology
