Spontaneous pancreatic pseudocyst – superior mesenteric vein fistula: A rare complication of chronic pancreatitis

Pseudocyst formation is common in chronic pancreatitis. A rare subset of these patients may develop fistulization between the pseudocyst and the portal vein system. We report a case of spontaneous pancreatic pseudocyst – superior mesenteric vein fistula in a 61-year-old male with a history of chronic recurrent calcifying pancreatitis. The fistulous connection was correctly identified on both computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and the patient was treated successfully with a conservative approach. Our case report aims to educate on this rare and potentially fatal vascular complication of chronic pancreatitis and to discuss the role of modern noninvasive imaging techniques, such as T2-weighted MRI/MRCP, in establishing this diagnosis and making a decision regarding its management.