A patient with a pancreatic pseudocyst rupture into the portal vein with a resultant noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome and subsequent portal vein thrombosis diagnosed by computed tomography and ultrasonography is reported. A review of the existing English literature on this rare complication is also provided.
Key Points
* Pancreatic pseudocyst rupture into surrounding structures may be more common than previously understood.
* Noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NSIRS) or 'sterile shock' may be a complication of pancreatic pseudocyst rupture.
* Pancreatic pseudocyst rupture into surrounding structures may now be diagnosed by combined computed tomography and ultrasound.
* Conservative management of pancreatic pseudocyst rupture is possible, although it remains unclear if this should be the recommended strategy.