CONGENITAL PANCREATIC CYST, AN INCIDENTAL FINDING IN PREGNANCY: A CASE REPORT FROM THE UPPER WEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL, WA-GHANA

Abstract

The co-existence of true pancreatic cyst in term pregnancy is a rare clinical occurrence. A careful diagnostic workup is required to arriving at the diagnosis. Described here is a case of congenital (true) pancreatic cyst in a 17-years old adolescent girl from the Lawra Municipality in the Upper West Region of Ghana with an intra-abdominal mass co-existing with normal pregnancy that was detected clinically during her booking visit. She was referred to the Upper West Regional hospital for specialist care. An abdominal ultrasound investigation at the regional hospital by the specialist obstetrician revealed a pancreatic cyst. This was carried to term, she had a cesarean delivery to a life baby boy. The pancreatic cyst was resected and histopathological examination confirmed a true pancreatic cyst. The mother and baby were discharged and are currently doing well. Conclusion: This case report illustrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in effective health care delivery, the role of tertiary referral hospital and the need for specialists in our referral health centres.