pseudocyst

n. a fluid-filled space without a proper wall or lining, within an organ. A pancreatic pseudocyst may develop in cases of chronic pancreatitis or as a complication of acute pancreatitis. As the pseudocyst, which is filled with enzyme-rich pancreatic juice, slowly expands it may cause episodes of abdominal pain accompanied by a rise in the level of enzymes in the blood. It may be felt by abdominal examination or seen by radiology or ultrasound examination. Treatment is by drainage, usually by the technique of joining the pseudocyst to the stomach performed endoscopically under ultrasonic guidence or surgically (marsupialization).