Pleural effusions: a new negative prognostic parameter for acute pancreatitis
Lankisch, P.G.; Dröge, M.; Becher, R.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 89(10): 1849-1851
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 7942681 Document Number: 429563
Objective: To evaluate the incidence, localization, and size of pleural effusions in 133 patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods: A contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan was prospectively obtained within 72 h after admission. Results: Patients with pleural effusions (66 = 50%) had significantly more severe morphological changes of the pancreas and necroses (independent of the size and localization of the effusions and etiology of the acute pancreatitis), more often had a pancreatic pseudocyst, and had a higher mortality rate than patients without this complication. Conclusion: Pleural effusions are indicative of severe acute pancreatitis and are a negative prognostic parameter for the course of the disease.