[Acute necrotising alcoholic pancreatitis with abscess formation in the mediastinum (author's transl)].

Pseudocysts, fistulae and abscesses are common complications of acute and acute-recurrent pancreatitis. Extension of necrosis and pseudocysts occur along anatomically determined structures. Extension of pancreatic necrosis into the mediastinum is rare. One such case is described. Possible mechanisms for the occurrence of acute and relapsing pancreatitis are discussed.