Pseudocyst of the pancreas in childhood. Current advances in diagnosis.

A pseudocyst of the pancreas is an uncommon problem in the pediatric patient. When present, more than half of these cases are caused by blunt trauma to the abdomen. Recent experience in the management of three cases demonstrated the importance of sonography in the diagnosis of lesion. Sonography is most effective and noninvasive, and false-positive results are rare. Sonography also was used to follow the progress of a resolving pseudocyst in one of these three cases. A more aggressive surgical approach is necessary in the management of this lesion.