An Atypical Presentation Of Pancreatic Carcinoma With Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Pleural effusion secondary to pancreatic tumour is a relatively rare clinical presentation.
Aim of study: To present a case of a patient that had pancreatic tumour who presented with features of left sided pleural effusion with a view to highlighting the clinical features of the presentation.
Method of study: The case file of a patient that presented with left sided pleural effusion but later investigated and found to have carcinoma of the pancreas was studied. The clinical features and findings on examination are highlighted.
Results: There was a left sided pleural effusion and computerized axial tomography scan showed a pancreatic tumour. A pancreatic and lymph node biopsies confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion: when there is pleural effusion (especially when it affects the left side) without an obvious cause, the abdomen should be thoroughly investigated for a possible occult intraabdominal malignancy.

Keywords: Left sided pleural effusion, computerized axial tomography scan, pancreatic carcinoma.