A CASE OF CHRONIC-PANCREATITIS WITH PSEUDOCYSTS COMPLICATED BY INFECTION AND OBSTRUCTIVE-JAUNDICE

We report a case of chronic pancreatitis with pseudocysts complicated by infection and obstructive jaundice. A 49-yr-old male was admitted w ith the complaints of fever and jaundice. Laboratory findings included high biliary tract enzyme values and normal serum amylase value. Ultr asonography and computed tomographic scan demonstrated a cyst, 4 cm in diameter, in the pancreas head. Cholangiography revealed a long, tape red obstruction of the common bile duct which was apparently compresse d by the cyst. Although the jaundice improved after percutaneous trans hepatic biliary drainage, fever continued, and the cyst was aspirated. Bacteriological examination of the contents revealed infection. The s ymptoms disappeared rapidly and the cyst decreased in size soon after aspiration. The stenosis of the common bile duct showed improvement fo r several weeks but then regressed. In a patient with secondary pancre atic infection or obstructive jaundice following pancreatic disease, d istinguishing the condition is an important aspect of accurate diagnos is and therapy.