Pancreatic transection due to blunt trauma

Abstract

Blunt fractures of the pancreas are rare and serious lesions. An isolated injury to the pancreas is uncommon. Physical signs and laboratory parameters are often inaccurate, and missing the diagnosis can cause serious clinical problems. We report a case of a 28-year-old woman with blunt pancreatic trauma in whom computed tomography revealed a fracture through the tail of the pancreas. It was complicated by pseudocyst formation. She was treated surgically with good outcome. This case is a reminder that pancreatic injuries should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of blunt abdominal trauma. Also, the clinician should be aware that when pancreatic injuries are managed conservatively, the clinical, radiological, and laboratory parameters need to be monitored till resolution.

Keywords: Pancreas; pseudocyst; transection; trauma.

Figure 1

A computed tomography scan revealing a transection through the tail of the pancreas

Figure 2

Algorithm for managing pancreatic injuries