Two Cases of Pancreatic Pseudocyst Involving the Spleen

Abstract

Two cases of pancreatic pseudocyst found in the splenic parenchyma are reported. Both patients had alcoholic pancreatitis. Both cysts supposedly extended from the pancreas towards the spleen with communications. The contents of the cysts showed high amylase concentration. The condition in which a pancreatic pseudocyst extends into the spleen is rare. To our knowledge, 27 cases have been reported in the Japanese literature. Males were predominant and almost all patients were habitual alcohol drinkers. Only three cases including one in this report were diagnosed preoperatively by percutaneous puncture which disclosed a high amylase level. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is useful for prevention of fatal complications. Removal of the entire pseudocyst according to its pathogenesis is important.