PSEUDOCYSTS OF THE PANCREAS IN CHILDHOOD

Abstract

Post-traumatic cysts of the pancreas are not uncommon in adults but are an extremely rare finding in children. Only four authenticated cases were found in the pediatric literature prior to July, 1955.* This report is of interest not only because the condition described is unusual but more on account of the importance of discovering its presence early in the course of treatment following a violent injury to the pancreatic area. The case presented below emphasizes that a pseudocyst of the pancreas in a child is potentially curable if it is excised before its damaging effects become irreversible. Report of a Case A 9-year-old white boy was in good health until March 25, 1955, when he was struck by a truck while he was riding on his bicycle. On admission to the Rahway Memorial Hospital soon after the accident, the child was found to be in mild shock and he complained