Acute necrotizing pancreatitis which results in gas formation within the pancreas carries a poor prognosis.
Although the complication of gas production can readily be recognized roentgenologically, relatively few cases have been reported in the literature. Felson,7 in reviewing the literature, found only seven reported cases2-4,8-11 and added six of his own. Agnos and Holmes1 reported five others and found an additional two as reported in case reports from the Massachusetts General Hospital.5,6 Thus, only 20 cases have been previously reported.
Report of a Case
History.
—On Feb. 6, 1956, a 58-year-old white man was admitted to Beth Israel Hospital with a 24-hour history of sudden onset of severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting following the ingestion of a meal. The pain was constant, severe in nature, extended across the entire upper abdomen and radiated to the back. He had not noted any chills, fever, jaundice,