PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a pancreatic pseudocyst?

1. A fluid-filled sac surrounded by epithelial tissue

2. A collection of tissue and fluids on the pancreas

3. A benign tumor of the pancreas

4. A form of pancreatic cancer

The correct answer is: A collection of tissue and fluids on the pancreas

A pancreatic pseudocyst is defined as a collection of tissue and fluids that typically forms in response to pancreatitis or pancreatic injury. Unlike true cysts, which are lined by epithelial cells, pseudocysts are not surrounded by an epithelial layer; instead, they are enclosed by a fibrous capsule. This distinction is crucial because it signifies that pseudocysts often develop as complications of inflammatory processes within the pancreas. In clinical practice, these pseudocysts can vary in size and may contain a mixture of pancreatic enzymes, blood, and necrotic tissue. They often arise when pancreatic secretions leak out of the ducts after inflammation or injury, leading to localized inflammation and fluid accumulation, which characterizes the pseudocyst. It's important to recognize that while they may resolve spontaneously, larger pseudocysts could pose complications such as infection, rupture, or pressure effects on adjacent structures, necessitating medical or surgical intervention. Understanding this definition helps clarify the nature of pancreatic pseudocysts compared to other pancreatic conditions, such as tumors or cancers, which have distinct pathology and clinical implications.