Pseudocyst

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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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

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
• Pancreatitis
• Pulmonary contusion
• Trauma