Abstract
Pancreatic fluid collections include a wide range of entities such as cystic neoplasms,
both benign and malignant; vascular pathology such as pseudoaneurysms and hematomas;
and a host of other entities such as pseudocysts, seromas, abscesses, and bilomas.
The distinction between these entities requires correlating an often complex and overlapping
clinical presentation with findings on imaging studies, typically computed tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound. As complex as the diagnostic work-up may
be, the treatment of pancreatic collections poses its own set of challenges and often
requires a multidisciplinary collaboration among interventional radiologists, surgeons,
and gastroenterologists. The best treatment algorithm is determined by careful review
of radiologic imaging studies combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
to apply therapies such as surgical resection; drainage or debridement; endoscopic
ultrasound-guided drainage; aspiration or biopsy; and imaging-guided percutaneous
drainage, aspiration, or biopsy. This article focuses on the diagnosis and multidisciplinary
management of pancreatic fluid collections such as abscesses, pseudocysts, and necrosis.
Keywords
interventional radiology - pancreas - percutaneous drainage - abscess - pancreatitis
