Management of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms presenting as catastrophic intraabdominal bleeding

Presentation and management of true aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade with concomitant celiac artery stenosis using the endovascular approach

True aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) arcade are rare but require intervention due to the high risk of rupture. Historically, these aneurysms have been managed with open surgical methods. In this study, we describe a contemporary series of aneurysms treated using a modern approach that includes endovascular and hybrid techniques. All the patients with aneurysms of the PDA arcade in an institutional database were identified between 2008 and 2022. Patients with history of pancreatic resection were excluded. Data on demographics, presenting symptoms, imaging findings, operative approach, and outcomes were collected and reviewed. There were nine patients diagnosed with a PDA aneurysm, and all nine underwent endovascular intervention. Most were men (n = 5; 55.6%) and White (n = 7; 77.8%) and had American Society of Anesthesiologists class II or III. The median aneurysm size was 21 mm (range, 6-42 mm), and five (55.5%) were symptomatic. Of the five symptomatic cases, two presented with rupture and were treated urgently. The median time to intervention for the nonurgent cases was 30 days. All but one patient had concomitant celiac artery stenosis and two of the eight cases (25%) were due to extrinsic compression from median arcuate ligament syndrome. Both patients underwent median arcuate ligament syndrome release before endovascular intervention. Another patient required open surgical bypass before endovascular repair from the supraceliac aorta to hepatic artery using a Dacron graft to maintain hepatic perfusion. Among the eight patients with celiac axis stenosis, five (62.5%) required celiac stent placement within the same operation. Coil embolization of the aneurysm was used for all except for two patients (n = 7 of 9; 77.8%), with one patient receiving embolic plugs and another receiving an 8 × 38-mm balloon-expandable covered stent for aneurysm exclusion. The median operating room time was 134 minutes. All repairs were technically successful without any intraoperative or postoperative complications. The mean follow-up was 30 months. There was no morbidity, mortality, or unplanned secondary reinterventions within 6 months after aneurysm repair. Stent patency and aneurysm size remained stable at 2 years of follow-up. True pancreaticoduodenal artery arcade aneurysms can be safely and effectively treated using endovascular and hybrid techniques. Because many of these aneurysms have concomitant celiac artery stenosis, the use of endovascular technology allows for simultaneous treatment of both the aneurysm and the stenosis with exceptional results.

Management of Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysms Based on a Single-Institution Experience

OBJECTIVES

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs) are rare and have a high propensity for rupture. Historically, management of PDAAs included surgical reconstruction but has evolved with advances in endovascular therapy. We report our experience with management of PDAAs during the last 30 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained registry between January 1, 1992 - March 30, 2020.

RESULTS

We identified 8 patients with PDAAs: 4 with associated celiac artery occlusive disease and 4 without identifiable etiologies. Four patients were treated with surgical resection of the PDAAs: 2 intact aneurysms underwent concomitant revascularization (superior mesenteric artery-to-hepatic artery Dacron bypass; supra celiac aorta-to-hepatic artery Dacron bypass) and 2 (1 intact, 1 rupture) underwent ligation alone. Four patients were treated with coil embolization of the PDAA: 2 with concomitant stent-graft exclusion of the aneurysm (1 non-rupture, 1 rupture) and 2 without adjunctive measures (intact). There were no deaths nor any significant procedure-related morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Our large single-center experience shows that PDAAs can be successfully treated by open or endovascular intervention with selective revascularization.

[Surgical treatment of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm combined with celiac trunk occlusion]

We report successful surgical treatment of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm combined with celiac trunk occlusion. Considering angioarchitectonics of the afferent and efferent arteries (significant tortuosity), possible liver ischemia during endovascular occlusion of pancreaticoduodenal artery and expected low efficiency of embolization, the patient underwent open surgery (celiac trunk replacement and resection of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm). Postoperative period was uneventful. The first and subsequent postoperative controls showed an adequate function of the prosthesis and no contrast enhancement of the aneurysm. We concluded that rational surgical approach ensured optimal solution of the problem, i.e. surgical treatment of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm was the most radical and functional.

True pancreaticoduodenal aneurysms with celiac stenosis or occlusion

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysms are rare, representing only 2% of all visceral artery aneurysms. True PDA aneurysms associated with celiac stenosis or occlusion make up an even smaller subset of this group. No relationship between aneurysm size and the likelihood of rupture of PDA aneurysms is apparent. PDA aneurysm rupture is associated with a mortality rate upwards of 50%; therefore, accepted practice is treatment upon diagnosis. There is debate in the literature on whether the treatment of coexisting celiac axis stenosis is necessary for the prevention of recurrence.

DATA SOURCES

Literature relating to PDA aneurysms associated with celiac stenosis or occlusion was identified by performing a PubMed keyword search. References from identified articles were also assessed for relevance. The current literature was then reviewed and summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of this patient population are identified. Based on current evidence, our best practice recommendation for the treatment of coexisting celiac axis stenosis is provided.

Endovascular therapy as a treatment for ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs) are uncommon. The treatment and prognosis for ruptured PDAAs have changed in recent years. A demonstrative case is reported. A review of the literature has been made and the case of a healthy man operated on an emergency basis because of a massive hemoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured PDAA is reported and analyzed with regard to the clinical presentation, radiologic findings, management, and outcome. A bleeding point was not detected at operation. An intraoperative arteriogram did not show active bleeding. The pancreas appeared infiltrated and oozing blood. The abdomen was gauze packed and the patient transferred for endovascular therapy (ET). Then, an arteriogram showed a bleeding PDAA. After embolization, bleeding ceased and the patient recovered. According to our literature survey, less than 200 cases of true and false PDAAs have been reported. For ruptured PDAAs, surgery is associated with high mortality since the bleeding point is usually not identified at operation. Similarly, intraoperative arteriograms are often fruitless due to the patient's poor hemodynamics plus suboptimal quality of the portable equipment. As shown in the present case and according to the specialized medical literature, ET has often been successful in the management of these patients and may be chosen as a first option for the treatment of ruptured PDAAs.

Successful surgical management of a ruptured true pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm following failed transcatheter embolization

A ruptured splanchnic artery aneurysm is a rare clinical entity. Its diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion, and management usually requires a multidisciplinary approach. We present a case of ruptured true pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm in an 83-year-old woman who was initially treated with transcatheter embolization, but it failed to arrest the bleeding, and she subsequently required laparotomy and surgical ligation. The clinical course and management are discussed with a review of the literature.

Analysis of five cases of splanchnic artery aneurysm associated with coeliac artery stenosis due to compression by the median arcuate ligament

AIM

To elucidate the mechanism of occurrence of splanchnic artery aneurysm associated with coeliac artery stenosis due to compression by the median arcuate ligament, and also to discuss the management for this relatively rare condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five consecutive cases of splanchnic artery aneurysm associated with coeliac axis stenosis due to compression by the median arcuate ligament, including four cases of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm and one case of epiploic artery aneurysm, were investigated. These cases were collected over a 5-year period in our local and affiliated hospitals. Among these five cases, three were discovered because of rupture of the aneurysm, and two were found incidentally in annual medical check-ups.

RESULTS

In all cases, conspicuously developed collateral arteries, which were of the dilated pancreaticoduodenal arcade and its branches, were conspicuously found on digital subtraction angiography of the superior mesenteric artery. The findings suggested that haemodynamic changes in the splanchnic arterial networks (an increase in blood flow mainly through the pancreaticoduodenal arcade), were the possible cause of the corresponding aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

Compression by the median arcuate ligament might be a frequent cause of splanchnic aneurysm, which, on rupture of the aneurysm, could be life-threatening.

Surgical Management of Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysms in Association with Celiac Trunk Occlusion or Stenosis

Aneurysms of the visceral arteries, especially of the pancreaticoduodenal artery, are rare. They show a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic incidental findings to rupture-inducing catastrophic bleedings. Since growth progression and the risk of rupture cannot be foreseen and there is no relation between the size of the aneurysm and propensity to rupture, rupture unfortunately carries a high mortality, >50%. Thus, all aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery should be treated. The therapy of choice, either operative intervention or catheter embolization, is determined by many factors. Among these are localization, size, relation to other vessels and neighboring organs, the urgency of intervention, and the experience of the therapist. Surgical therapy should be favored in patients with pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm due to celiac trunk occlusion. We report here our experience in the surgical treatment of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms in association with celiac trunk occlusion or stenosis over the last 5 years.

Management of Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysms: Results of Superselective Transcatheter Embolization

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to assess the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization for pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that transcatheter arterial embolization is the initial and definitive therapeutic choice for pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms, with a possible option to perform surgery after embolization.

True aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery: successful non-operative management

BACKGROUND

True aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arteries (PDA) are rare, often ruptured, and treated by operation with a high level of mortality. We review our experience since 1994 and that of the literature in the past 20 years to provide management guidelines for this uncommon clinical entity. About 100 cases of PDA aneurysms are described in the literature, most of them as case report.

METHODS

Nine patients were admitted to our institution between 1994 and 2004 for true aneurysm of the PDA. They were analyzed with regard to the clinical presentation, radiologic findings, management, and outcome.

RESULTS

Seven patients presented for sudden abdominal pain from retroperitoneal hemorrhage. In 2 patients PDA aneurysm was an incidental finding. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomographic scan, and visceral angiography was carried out in all cases. Aneurysms ranged from 4 to 30 mm (median, 16.5) in size. Celiac axis stenosis or occlusion was identified in 3 patients. One patient required emergent laparotomy for intra-abdominal rupture of a retro peritoneal hematoma. Therapeutic embolization was successful in all 9 patients. All except 1 are alive with no evidence of recurrence of the true PDA aneurysm with a mean follow-up of 59 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors recommend definitive treatment of all true aneurysms PDA because of their high risk of rupture. Ruptured PDA aneurysms suspected on CT-scan requires emergent visceral angiography and selective embolization as definitive treatment.

Treatment of visceral artery aneurysms: description of a retrospective series of 42 aneurysms in 34 patients

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) can be treated by revascularization, ligation, or, most often, endovascular techniques depending on clinical presentation, hemodynamic status, and location. From 1975 to 2002 a total of 42 VAA in 34 patients were treated. The lesion involved the splenic artery (SA; 19), pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA; 6), celiac trunk (CT; 5), superior mesenteric artery (SNA; 4), common hepatic artery (CHA; 3), gastroduodenal artery (GDA; 2), left hepatic artery (LHA; 1), a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery (BIMA; 1), and a branch of the SMA (BSMA; 1). Twenty-seven VAA in 21 patients (64%) were uncomplicated (group I) and 15 VAA in 13 patients (36%) had ruptured (group II) (PDA; 6; CT, 3; SA, 1; CHA, 1; LHA, 1; BSMA, 1; BIMA, 1). In group I VAA were treated by embolization (n = 11), splenectomy (n = 6), bypass (n = 7), ligation (n = 2), and aneurysmorraphy (n = 1). No deaths were observed. The morbidity rate associated with surgical treatment was 12% including hepatic bypass thrombosis without ischemic complications in two cases. The morbidity rate associated with endovascular treatment was 18% including cholecystitis in one case and bile duct stenosis in one case. The VAA recanalization rate following embolization was 9%. In group II, 12 VAA (80%) were treated by ligation in association with splenectomy in two cases and left hepatectomy in one case. Only one bypass procedure was performed and embolization was used to treat two VAA (1 SMA and 1 PDA). The mortality rate was 20% (3/15). The morbidity rate associated with surgical treatment was 46% (6/13) including bile duct stenosis in one case, ischemic cholecystitis in one case, duodenal fistula in one case, pancreatic fistula in one case, bile tract fistula in one case, and colonic ischemia in one case. No patient died after endovascular treatment and the morbidity rate was 50% (1/2) with duodenal stenosis occurring in one case. In sum, VAA can rupture. Emergency cases can be treated by ligation in most cases or by embolization if the hemodynamic status of the patient allows. Regardless of treatment technique, the morbidity and mortality rate remains high after rupture, especially in cases involving PDA. Embolization can be proposed as a first-line treatment for most VAA. Because of the risk of rupture, endovascular or open repair is warranted for VAA and has a favorable prognosis.

Treatment of Three Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysms Associated with CœLiac Artery Occlusion and Splenic Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A case of three pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysms associated with coeliac artery occlusion and a concomitant splenic arterial aneurysm is described. Surgical treatment was used because it was anticipated that the hepatic blood supply would be obstructed completely if percutaneous transluminal embolization for three PDA aneurysms were performed. Splenectomy in continuity with the splenic artery aneurysm and PDA aneurysmectomies were performed, and infrarenal abdominal aorto-splenic artery bypass was accomplished using a 6mm ringed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The postoperative course was uneventful. Graft patency and successful aneurysm ablation were confirmed using MRA and intravenous DSA. Arterial histology revealed segmental arterial mediolysis. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was well and asymptomatic. A literature review of PDA aneurysms is presented.

Surgical management of peripancreatic arterial aneurysms

Peripancreatic artery aneurysms--gastroduodenal (GDA) and pancreaticoduodenal (PDA)--are highly unusual. We report 4 such aneurysms and have collated reports of true peripancreatic artery aneurysms based on an extensive review of the English literature. From this review, patient characteristics, clinical behavior, outcome and management strategies are assessed.

Endovascular management of a pancreaticoduodenal aneurysm: a clinical dilemma

PURPOSE

To report the successful endovascular embolization of a pancreaticoduodenal aneurysm (PDA).

CASE REPORT

A 56-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis presented with insidious, progressive epigastric pain for the preceding 6 months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and selective hepatic digital subtraction angiography identified a 7.7-cm aneurysm that arose from the pancreaticoduodenal branch of the gastroduodenal artery. Through a percutaneous common femoral approach, 10 stainless steel coils were delivered to occlude the aneurysm. A single coil detached and became lodged in a small branch of the right hepatic artery without sequelae. At 26 months, duplex and CT scans show continued occlusion of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter coil embolization should be the first choice treatment for aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery.

Management of true aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arteries

OBJECTIVE

To review the authors' recent experience and that of the literature since 1973 and to provide management guidelines for true aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arteries (PDA).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

True aneurysms of the PDA are rare, with a total of only 52 cases reported since 1973.

METHODS

Six patients were admitted to the authors' institution between 1985 and 1995 for rupture of a true aneurysm of the PDA. They were analyzed with regard to the mode of presentation, preoperative workup, management, and outcome.

RESULTS

All patients had severe epigastric pain from retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Computed tomography scanning and angiography were performed in all cases. Aneurysms ranged from 0.7 to 1.2 cm (median 0.9 cm). The celiac axis was stenotic or occluded in five cases. Three patients underwent emergency pancreatoduodenectomy. Two of them survived. In one case, section of the median arcuate ligament was associated with the procedure, and the patient died from an aortic dissection. Embolization was performed in the last three patients. The procedure was definitive in two cases. In one, hemorrhage recurred 8 days later and required surgical ligation of the bleeding artery.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors recommend rapid treatment of all true aneurysms of the PDA. Because most of these aneurysms result from a stenosis of the celiac axis, selective embolization may help to preserve patency of the PDA and should, therefore, be the primary therapeutic choice in ruptured aneurysms. Close follow-up is mandatory because of possible recurrent bleeding. Appropriate and expeditious management of true PDA aneurysms should help reduce the mortality rate.