Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pseudocyst
Introduction
Overview
A pseudocyst is a pathological collection of fluid. A pseudocyst may appear to be a true cyst to the naked eye or on a CAT scan. However, it is technically not a cyst. The wall of a true cyst consists of a clearly defined epithelial cell layer. The wall of a pseudocyst consists of granulation and/or fibrous tissue (which is present secondary to inflammation).
A pancreatic pseudocyst results from the passage of inflammatory fluid into the omental bursa. This is typically a complication of acute pancreatitis, but may also occur following abdominal trauma.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]