Sandbox:pancreatic abscess

Overview

Pancreatic abscess is an unusual and rare, but life threatening complication of acute pancreatitis.

Differentiating Pancreatic Abscess from other Diseases

Pancreatic abscess should be diagnosed early and treat promptly not only to reduce morbidity and mortality, but also it is important to differentiate from other pancreatic disesases such recurrent pancreatitis, pancreatic psuedocysts etc. as the undrained abscess carreies high risk of mortality.

• Recurrent pancreatitis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Vital signs

• High grade fever
• Upper abdominal pain
• Failure to thrive

Lab Findings

• Leukocytosis