Pancreatic pseudocysts are often drained endoscopically after 4-6 weeks of maturation. Allowing for developed encapsulation ensures that the cyst walls are strong enough to sustain drainage. However, in 3%-5% of these cases, pseudocysts will rupture spontaneously and put patients at risk of peritonitis. We present the first documented case of pancreatic pseudocyst rupture after upper endoscopy. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the absence of viscus perforation and highlighted the danger of any procedure that increases intra-abdominal pressure in a patient with a pancreatic pseudocyst. Awareness of this complication should impact our decision when considering endoscopy in patients with pancreatic pseudocysts.
© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American College of Gastroenterology.