Cases Journal


Open Access Case Report

Ruptured pseudocyst of pancreas presenting with paraplegia: a case report

Soni Soumian*, Natarajan Manimaran and Bruce Jones

Author Affiliations

Department of Surgery, Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham B75 7RR, UK

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Cases Journal 2009, 2:9336 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-9336

Published: 16 December 2009

Abstract

Introduction

Acute pancreatitis is recognised to cause both local and extra pancreatic systemic complications. Sequelae like pseudocyst of the pancreas can further be complicated by infection, intracystic haemorrhage and rupture with high mortality and morbidity. Extra pancreatic manifestations include alterations in blood coagulation factors and pro-thrombotic tendencies.

Case presentation

We report an atypical presentation of intracystic haemorrhage and rupture of a pancreatic pseudocyst into the peritoneal cavity, presenting with acute onset paraplegia.

Conclusion

Considering the serious consequences of this pathology, high index of suspicion, early identification and management of pancreatic pseudocyst is paramount in reducing morbidity and mortality.