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Pancreatic abscess

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Digestive system
Digestive system
Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands
Pancreas
Pancreas

Definition    Return to top

A pancreatic abscess is a cavity of pus within the pancreas.

Causes    Return to top

Pancreatic abscesses develop in patients with pancreatic pseudocysts that become infected.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Patients with pancreatic abscesses usually have had pancreatitis. They usually develop fevers and abdominal pain, and have evidence of an abscess on an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the abdomen.

Treatment    Return to top

It may be possible to drain the abscess through the skin (percutaneous). Surgery to drain the abscess and remove dead tissue may be required.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

How the person does depends on how severe the infection is. The death rate from undrained pancreatic abscesses is very high.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have persistent abdominal pain with fever or other signs of a pancreatic abscess, particularly if you have recently had a pancreatic pseudocyst or pancreatitis.

Prevention    Return to top

Adequate drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst may help prevent some cases of pancreatic abscess. However, in many cases the disorder is not preventable.

References    Return to top

Owyang C. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 147.

Update Date: 12/19/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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