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Pancreatic pseudocyst

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Definition:

A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of tissue, fluid, debris, pancreatic enzymes, and blood that can develop after acute pancreatitis .

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pancreatic pseudocysts usually develop following an episode of severe acute pancreatitis. They often occur when the pancreatic ducts are disrupted by inflammation that occurs during pancreatitis. Risk factors for pancreatic pseudocyst are acute pancreatitis, abdominal trauma, and chronic pancreatitis .

• Review Date: 1/9/2007
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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