Relapsing pleural exudate complicating chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis, often with a pseudocyst, is a rare cause of a pleural exudate. A pancreatic pleural fistula is created, leading to a relapsing massive haemorrhagic pleural exudate with a very high amylase content. The diagnosis is confirmed by means of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Treatment is primarily conservative; surgical drainage is sometimes necessary. The prognosis is generally favourable. The case history of a young woman with this condition is presented.