Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2007 Mar;10(1):98-103.

A Case of Traumatic Pancreatic Transection with Main DuctDisruption and Pleural Effusion in a Child

• Lee GY
• Yoo HS
• Lee JH
• Choe YH
• Heo JS

Abstract

An 8-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain and poor oral intake for two months. Serum amylase and lipase levels were elevated. CT of the abdomen and chest X-ray showed two pseudocysts at the pancreatic uncinate process, pancreatitis with a parenchymal defect, a large amount of ascites, and a right pleural effusion. MR cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopanreaticography revealed a pancreatic duct disruption. The patient was successfully treated with a chest tube placement and percutaneous drainage. After surgery, his general condition improved; the serum level of amylase normalized and the pleural effusion resolved. Pancreatic injuries are rare in pediatric blunt trauma; however, diagnostic difficulty is common with isolated blunt trauma. Therefore, a high index of suspicion should follow such an injury. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with pancreas transection, ductal disruption, ascites, and pleural effusion who was successfully treated.

Keyword

Traumatic pancreatic transection; Main duct disruption; Child

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Abdominal Pain
Amylases
Ascites
Chest Tubes
Child*
Cholangiography
Drainage
Humans
Lipase
Male
Pancreas
Pancreatic Ducts
Pancreatitis
Pleural Effusion*
Thorax
Amylases
Lipase