A pancreatic pseudocyst is a localized, mature, fluid-filled collection without evidence of solid material located outside of the pancreas. It has a nonepithelialized wall of fibrous and granulation tissue, with no necrosis present. Pancreatic pseudocysts typically appear at least 4 weeks after an episode of acute pancreatitis or blunt or penetrating pancreatic trauma. Pancreatic pseudocysts can also form in patients with chronic pancreatitis if there is an acute exacerbation of the underlying pancreatitis. Ten percent of patients with chronic pancreatitis will develop pseudocysts. Pancreatic pseudocysts are more commonly diagnosed in males.

Approximately 40% of cases of pancreatic pseudocyst resolve without intervention, but they may produce a wide range of signs, symptoms, and clinical manifestations. These may include abdominal mass, abdominal pain, fever, chills, and jaundice.

Complications may include duodenal obstruction or biliary obstruction due to pseudocyst expansion, fistula formation into adjacent viscera including the peritoneal, pericardial, and pleural cavities, spontaneous pseudocyst infection, and pseudoaneurysm.