Hemoptysis associated with chronic pancreatitis ; a case report

Abstract

A 71-year-old male with a history of ethanol abuse for 50 years and chronic pancreatitis for 15 years had had hemoptysis for more than one year. Chest radiographs on admission demonstrated infiltration in the left lower lung field with on pleural effusion. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed small hemorrhages from the left B¹⁰.Neither malignant cells nor acid fast bacilli were detected in brushing materials of washing fluid obtained from left B¹⁰. To clarify the cause of hemoptysis, open thoracotomy was performed on July 16, 1992. Pancreatic fistulas were seen penetrating the diaphragm, which were continuous with the pleura at the base of the left lower lobe. The lower lobe was resected, and pathological examination showed that pancreatic fistulas perforated the diaphragm and reached the bronchial tree. The clinicaopathological and radiological findings are described in this rare care of chronic pancreatitis causing hemoptysis.