Pseudocysts and other non-neoplastic cysts of the pancreas

Among the cystic lesions of the pancreas, pseudocysts are most common. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge on the morphology and pa thogenesis of pseudocysts. Specifically, the pathogenetic relationship betw een pancreatic pseudocysts and acute and chronic pancreatitis and the natur al history of pseudocysts will be discussed. In addition, this article give s a brief description of a few non-neoplastic pancreatic cysts, including r etention cysts, congenital cysts, cystic acinar transformation, para-ampull ary duodenal wall cysts, enterogenous cysts, endometrial cysts, and parasit ic cysts. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.