Pseudocyst: Difference between revisions

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'''Pseudocyst''' is a pathological condition characterized by a cyst-like sac that is not lined by [[epithelium]]. Instead, it is surrounded by a wall of fibrous or granulation tissue. Pseudocysts can occur in various parts of the body and are often associated with conditions such as [[pancreatitis]], [[trauma]], or [[infection]].
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Definition==
| name          = Pseudocyst
A '''pseudocyst''' is a collection of fluid enclosed by a wall of fibrous or granulation tissue. Unlike true [[cyst]]s, pseudocysts do not have an epithelial lining. The term "pseudocyst" is derived from the Greek words "pseudo", meaning false, and "cyst", meaning sac.
| image          = [[File:Pulmonary_contusion_pseudocyst_CT.jpg|left|thumb|CT scan showing a pseudocyst]]
 
| caption        = CT scan of a [[pulmonary contusion]] with a pseudocyst
==Causes==
| field          = [[Gastroenterology]], [[Pulmonology]]
Pseudocysts can be caused by a variety of conditions. They are often associated with [[pancreatitis]], particularly chronic pancreatitis. They can also occur as a result of trauma or infection. In some cases, pseudocysts can form in the absence of any identifiable cause.
| symptoms      = [[Abdominal pain]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[dyspnea]]
 
| complications  = [[Infection]], [[hemorrhage]], [[rupture]]
==Symptoms==
| onset          = Variable, often after [[trauma]] or [[pancreatitis]]
The symptoms of a pseudocyst can vary depending on its location and size. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and discomfort in the area of the pseudocyst. If the pseudocyst is located in the pancreas, symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
| duration      = Weeks to months
 
| causes        = [[Pancreatitis]], [[trauma]], [[surgery]]
==Diagnosis==
| risks          = [[Alcohol use disorder]], [[gallstones]], [[abdominal injury]]
The diagnosis of a pseudocyst is typically made through imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]], [[computed tomography (CT) scan]], or [[magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]]. These tests can help to identify the presence and location of the pseudocyst, as well as its size and characteristics.
| diagnosis      = [[CT scan]], [[MRI]], [[ultrasound]]
 
| differential  = [[Cyst]], [[abscess]], [[neoplasm]]
==Treatment==
| treatment      = [[Observation]], [[drainage]], [[surgery]]
The treatment of a pseudocyst depends on its cause, location, and size, as well as the patient's symptoms and overall health. Treatment options may include observation, drainage, or surgery. In some cases, treatment of the underlying condition, such as pancreatitis, may also be necessary.
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
 
| frequency      = Common in [[pancreatitis]]
==See also==
}}
A '''pseudocyst''' is a fluid-filled cavity that resembles a cyst but lacks an epithelial or endothelial lining. Pseudocysts can occur in various parts of the body and are often associated with inflammation, trauma, or infection. Unlike true cysts, which are lined by epithelium, pseudocysts are surrounded by fibrous tissue.
== Types of Pseudocysts ==
=== Pancreatic Pseudocyst ===
A [[pancreatic pseudocyst]] is a collection of fluid rich in pancreatic enzymes, blood, and necrotic tissue, typically occurring after an episode of acute [[pancreatitis]]. These pseudocysts are usually located in the lesser sac of the abdomen and can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
=== Pulmonary Pseudocyst ===
A [[pulmonary pseudocyst]] is a rare complication of [[pulmonary contusion]], often resulting from blunt chest trauma. These pseudocysts are air-filled cavities that can be seen on imaging studies such as a CT scan. They are usually self-limiting and resolve without intervention.
=== Renal Pseudocyst ===
Renal pseudocysts are uncommon and can occur due to trauma or infection in the kidney. They are often asymptomatic but can sometimes cause flank pain or hematuria.
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of a pseudocyst typically involves imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]]. These imaging modalities help differentiate pseudocysts from other types of cystic lesions by revealing the lack of an epithelial lining.
== Treatment ==
The treatment of pseudocysts depends on their location, size, and symptoms. Many pseudocysts resolve spontaneously without treatment. However, large or symptomatic pseudocysts may require intervention, such as drainage or surgical removal.
== See also ==
* [[Cyst]]
* [[Cyst]]
* [[Pancreatitis]]
* [[Pancreatitis]]
* [[Computed tomography (CT) scan]]
* [[Pulmonary contusion]]
* [[Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]]
* [[Trauma]]
 
{{Medicine}}
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Pathology]]
[[Category:Pathology]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
{{Medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:31, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Pseudocyst
CT scan showing a pseudocyst
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea
Complications Infection, hemorrhage, rupture
Onset Variable, often after trauma or pancreatitis
Duration Weeks to months
Types N/A
Causes Pancreatitis, trauma, surgery
Risks Alcohol use disorder, gallstones, abdominal injury
Diagnosis CT scan, MRI, ultrasound
Differential diagnosis Cyst, abscess, neoplasm
Prevention N/A
Treatment Observation, drainage, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common in pancreatitis
Deaths N/A


A pseudocyst is a fluid-filled cavity that resembles a cyst but lacks an epithelial or endothelial lining. Pseudocysts can occur in various parts of the body and are often associated with inflammation, trauma, or infection. Unlike true cysts, which are lined by epithelium, pseudocysts are surrounded by fibrous tissue.

Types of Pseudocysts[edit]

Pancreatic Pseudocyst[edit]

A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of fluid rich in pancreatic enzymes, blood, and necrotic tissue, typically occurring after an episode of acute pancreatitis. These pseudocysts are usually located in the lesser sac of the abdomen and can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Pulmonary Pseudocyst[edit]

A pulmonary pseudocyst is a rare complication of pulmonary contusion, often resulting from blunt chest trauma. These pseudocysts are air-filled cavities that can be seen on imaging studies such as a CT scan. They are usually self-limiting and resolve without intervention.

Renal Pseudocyst[edit]

Renal pseudocysts are uncommon and can occur due to trauma or infection in the kidney. They are often asymptomatic but can sometimes cause flank pain or hematuria.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of a pseudocyst typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These imaging modalities help differentiate pseudocysts from other types of cystic lesions by revealing the lack of an epithelial lining.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of pseudocysts depends on their location, size, and symptoms. Many pseudocysts resolve spontaneously without treatment. However, large or symptomatic pseudocysts may require intervention, such as drainage or surgical removal.

See also[edit]