A pseudopancreatic cyst, also known as a pseudocyst, is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or around the pancreas, usually as a complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Unlike true pancreatic cysts, which contain pancreatic tissue and fluids, pseudocysts are lined by fibrous or inflammatory tissue and do not have an epithelial lining.

The development of pseudocysts is often the result of damage or inflammation to the pancreatic ducts or tissue. When the pancreas is injured or becomes inflamed, digestive enzymes and other fluids may leak out of the damaged ducts and accumulate in the surrounding tissue, forming a cystic collection.

Pseudocysts can vary in size and may remain asymptomatic for some time. However, as they grow larger, they can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice if they compress nearby structures such as the stomach or bile ducts. In some cases, pseudocysts may become infected, leading to fever, chills, and worsening abdominal pain.

Diagnosis of pseudocysts typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, which can visualize the cyst and assess its size and location. Blood tests may also be conducted to evaluate pancreatic enzyme levels and assess for signs of inflammation or infection.