[Spontaneous remission of pancreatic cysts in patients with chronic pancreatitis]

Abstract

Thirty one alcoholic patients with pancreatic cysts were studied by ultrasonographic scanning with the purpose to observe the evolution of the cysts. The mean time of the follow-up was 15.6 +/- 9.2 months; the patients were aged 40.2 +/- 9.3 years (male = 93.5%; female = 6.4%) the average pure ethanol intake was 288.3 +/- 185.9 ml for a period of 20.8 +/- 9.3 years. In 21 of the 31 patients (67.7%) the ultrasonographic examination showed total spontaneous resolution of the cysts within a time span of less than 18 months. The majority of the parameters studied (age, time and volume of ethanol intake, pain, diabetes, calcifications and previous cyst drainage) had no relation with the evolution of the cysts. In 11 patients (52.3%) the cysts showed an initial enlargement before decreasing in size. The cysts located in the pancreatic head showed less tendency to spontaneous resolution. Complications were observed in two patients: intra-cystic haemorrhage in one and rupture into the peritoneal cavity in the other. Our observations suggest that patients with pancreatic cysts secondary to chronic alcoholic pancreatitis should be controlled with periodical ultrasonography. Surgical approach should be reserved for patients with complications.