Management of chronic pancreatitis complicated with a bleeding pseudoaneurysm

Large gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm and arterioportal fistula in chronic pancreatitis

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms, particularly those in the gastroduodenal artery (GDA), are rare but serious complications associated with chronic pancreatitis, posing a significant risk of rupture due to their structural fragility. In this case, a 61-year-old male with a history of chronic pancreatitis, alcohol cirrhosis, duodenal ulcer, and COPD presented with persistent abdominal pain and recurrent fevers. Imaging revealed a 7 cm pseudoaneurysm between the GDA and superior mesenteric vein, which was successfully treated with coil embolization. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and intervention in managing GDA pseudoaneurysms, particularly when complicated by an arterioportal fistula, and demonstrates the efficacy of endovascular therapy as a minimally invasive treatment option that can significantly improve patient outcomes in complex vascular complications associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Endovascular treatment of a pancreatic artery pseudoaneurysm with arterioportal fistula in chronic pancreatitis: A case report

Arterioportal fistula (APF) combined with a visceral artery pseudoaneurysm is an exceptionally rare and critical vascular disorder of the abdominal viscera, with pseudoaneurysm rupture being potentially fatal and severe APF leading to portal hypertension, both of which necessitate immediate intervention. An 87-year-old woman with a history of pancreatitis presented with upper abdomen and back pain. Laboratory tests revealed elevated amylase levels and severe anemia. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) pseudoaneurysm with a fistula to the main portal vein. Given her advanced age, surgery was deemed high-risk, and endovascular treatment was selected. Transcatheter arterial embolization was successfully performed using coils to embolize the DPA pseudoaneurysm. A follow-up CT 1 week postprocedure confirmed the absence of a pseudoaneurysm and no further progression of anemia.

Comprehensive Review of Surgical and Radiological Management of Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis: Current Strategies and Outcomes

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis, a severe complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis, involves bleeding due to vascular disruptions. This condition presents significant clinical challenges and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The bleeding can result from arterial or venous complications, often exacerbated by inflammatory and enzymatic damage to blood vessels within the pancreas. Patients with hemorrhagic pancreatitis may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnostic imaging, including CT and MRI, is crucial in identifying the source of bleeding and guiding treatment decisions. Management strategies have evolved over the past two decades, shifting from purely surgical approaches to including interventional radiology techniques. Surgical intervention is often reserved for hemodynamically unstable patients or those with large pseudoaneurysms, offering definitive treatment but carrying higher risks of complications. Endovascular techniques, such as transcatheter embolization, provide a less invasive alternative with high success rates and shorter recovery times, though rebleeding may occur. Treatment choice depends on various factors, including the patient's stability, the size and location of the bleeding, and the availability of specialized expertise. Overall, the management of hemorrhagic pancreatitis requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical and radiological techniques to optimize patient outcomes and reduce the risk of mortality. Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrent disease and manage the metabolic consequences of pancreatic insufficiency.

Hemorrhagic Cysts in the Pancreas: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Outcomes - Insights from a Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic cysts are rarely discussed subtypes of pancreatic pseudocysts that occur in about 10% of these cases. They are caused by erosion of the walls of neighboring vessels by extravasated proteolytic pancreatic enzymes. A retrospective analysis was performed to clinically characterize risk factors, treatment, and outcome in patients with hemorrhagic cysts of the pancreas. MATERIAL AND METHODS The retrospective study included patients from the Department of Digestive Tract Surgery in Katowice, Poland, who were treated surgically for a pancreatic hemorrhagic cyst from January 2016 to November 2022. We gathered and assessed data on cyst etiology, symptoms, imaging examinations, risk factors, time, type, and complications of surgery. RESULTS The main symptom was abdominal pain, noted in 5 (62.5%) patients. The most common etiology of cyst was acute pancreatitis, which occurred in 5 patients (62.5%). The most common localization was the tail of pancreas, found in 3 patients (36.5%). The largest dimension of the cyst was 98±68 (30-200) mm. Every patient needed surgical intervention. Patients underwent distal pancreatectomy (n=3) or marsupialization (n=5). One (12.5%) postoperative complication was observed, while mortality was 0%. CONCLUSIONS Hemorrhagic cyst is a life-threatening complication of pancreatitis requiring immediate treatment. In most cases, open surgery is the treatment of choice. Despite the continuous development of minimally invasive techniques, surgical treatment remains the only effective treatment method. Depending on the cyst localization and technical possibilities, pancreatectomy or marsupialization can be applied, and both of them have low complication and mortality rates.

Pancreatic pseudoaneurysm mimicking pancreatic tumor: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic pseudoaneurysm is a rare vascular complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP) or necrotizing pancreatitis with an incidence of 4% to 17%, but it is potentially life-threatening. It is well known that most pancreatic pseudoaneurysms are clinically associated with pancreatic pseudocysts and are usually in the peripancreatic body-tail. A minority of intrapancreatic pseudoaneurysms occur in the absence of pseudocyst formation. Noninvasive computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are most commonly used examinations for screening pancreatic pseudoaneurysms. Notably, the rare intrapancreatic pseudoaneurysm in the pancreatic head can mimic a hypervascular solid mass and be misdiagnosed as a pancreatic tumor.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the case of a 67-year-old man who had been admitted to our hospital due to recurrent abdominal pain for 1 mo that was aggravated for 5 d. CT and MRI revealed a mass in the pancreatic head with significant expansion of the main pancreatic duct and mild atrophy of the pancreatic body-tail. He was admitted to the department of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery due to the possibility of a pancreatic tumor. The patient was then referred for endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with possible EUS-FNA. However, EUS showed a cystic lesion in the pancreatic head with wall thickness and enhancing nodules, which was doubtful because it was inconsistent with the imaging findings. Subsequently, color doppler flow imaging demonstrated turbulent arterial blood flow in the cystic lesion and connection with the surrounding vessel. Therefore, we highly suspected the possibility of CP complicated with intrapancreatic pseudoaneurysm, combined with the patient's long-term drinking history and the sonographic features of CP. Indeed, angiography revealed an oval area of contrast medium extravasation (size: 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm) at the far-end branch of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, and angiographic embolization was given immediately at the same time.

CONCLUSION

EUS is an important differential diagnostic tool when pancreatic pseudoaneurysm mimics the imaging appearance of a hypervascular pancreatic tumor.

Vascular complications of chronic pancreatitis and its management

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibro-inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, resulting in recurrent abdominal pain, diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition. It may lead to various other complications such as pseudocyst formation, benign biliary stricture, gastric outlet obstruction; and vascular complications like venous thrombosis, variceal and pseudoaneurysmal bleed. Development of varices is usually due to chronic venous thrombosis with collateral formation and variceal bleeding can easily be tackled by endoscopic therapy. Pseudoaneurysmal bleed can be catastrophic and requires radiological interventions including digital subtraction angiography followed by endovascular obliteration, or sometimes with a percutaneous or an endoscopic ultrasound-guided approach in technically difficult situations. Procedure-related bleed is usually venous and mostly managed conservatively. Procedure-related arterial bleed, however, may require radiological interventions.

Arterial Pseudoaneurysm Mimicking a Mural Nodule Within a Pancreatic Cyst

Pancreatic cysts with high-risk characteristics are at increased risk of harboring high-grade dysplasia or pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound may clarify the nature of the cystic lesion and its malignant potential. A mural nodule found through endoscopic ultrasound within a cyst may represent malignancy and require fine-needle aspiration. Pancreatic pseudocysts are benign walled-off fluid collections that form in the setting of pancreatitis and may be difficult to differentiate from neoplastic cysts. Pseudoaneurysms form when pancreatitis inflammation damages vessel walls and can cause fatal hemorrhage. We present a pancreatic pseudocyst with pseudoaneurysm mimicking a neoplastic cyst with a mural nodule.

Large gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm, arterioportal fistula and portal vein stenosis in chronic pancreatitis treated using combined transarterial embolization and transportal stenting: A case report

RATIONALE

Chronic pancreatitis is an ongoing fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas characterized by irreversible damage to the pancreatic parenchyma and ductal system. Besides, chronic pancreatitis can present with a variety of life-threatening complications.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patients visited our hospital due to abdominal pain and anemia, and had chronic pancreatitis as an underlying disease.

DIAGNOSES

Computed tomography showed a large gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm, arterioportal vein fistula, and portal vein stenosis.

INTERVENTIONS

We would like to report the successful use of the coils, and N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue for the therapeutic embolization of the pseudoaneurysm and fistula between the gastroduodenal artery and the portal vein, and stenting for portal vein stenosis.

OUTCOMES

On the day following the endovascular management, the patient reported remission of abdominal pain, and hemoglobin level returned to normal after transfusion. It was confirmed that it was still well maintained in the follow-up examination after 1 month.

LESSONS

Although chronic pancreatitis causes many vascular complications, simultaneous occurrence of these lesions is extremely rare. Herein, we share our experience with a unique case of an extrahepatic arterioportal fistula induced by the rupture of gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm with concomitant portal vein stenosis. In these complex cases, combined transarterial embolization and transportal stenting can be helpful.

Complications of chronic pancreatitis prior to and following surgical treatment: A proposal for classification

BACKGROUND

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a long-lasting disease frequently associated with complications for which there is no comprehensive pathophysiological classification.

AIM

The aims of this study were to: Propose a pathophysiological classification of the complications of CP; evaluate their prevalence in a surgical cohort prior to, and following surgical management; and assess the impact of the surgical treatment on the occurrence of new complications of CP during follow-up. We hypothesized that optimal surgical treatment can resolve existing complications and reduce the risk of new complications, with the exclusion of pancreatic insufficiency. The primary outcomes were prevalence of complications of CP at baseline (prior to surgical treatment) and occurrence of new complications during follow-up.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, a prospective observational cohort study with long-term follow-up (up to 20.4 years) was conducted. All consecutive single-center adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) with CP according to the criteria of the American Pancreas Association subjected to surgical management between 1997 and 2021, were included. The prevalence of CP complications evaluated, according to the proposed classification, in a surgical cohort of 166 patients. Development of the pathophysiological classification was based on a literature review on the clinical presentation, course, and complications of CP, as well a review of previous classification systems of CP.

RESULTS

We distinguished four groups of complications: Pancreatic duct complications, peripancreatic complications, pancreatic hemorrhages, and pancreatic insufficiency (exocrine and endocrine). Their baseline prevalence was 20.5%, 23.5%, 10.2%, 31.3%, and 27.1%, respectively. Surgical treatment was highly effective in avoiding new complications in the first and third groups. In the group of peripancreatic complications, the 15-year Kaplan-Meier prevalence of new complications was 12.1%. The prevalence of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency increased during follow-up, being 66.4% and 47.1%, respectively, at 15 years following surgery. Pancreatoduodenal resection resulted optimal results in avoiding new peripancreatic complications, but was associated with the highest rate of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

CONCLUSION

The proposed complication classification improves the understanding of CP. It could be beneficial for clinical decision making, as it provides an opportunity for more comprehensive judgement on patient’s needs on the one hand, and on the pros and cons of the treatment under consideration, on the other. The presence of complications of CP and the risk of development of new ones should be among the main determinants of surgical choice.

Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Consensus Guidelines on Interventions in Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the common gastrointestinal conditions presenting as medical emergency. Clinically, the severity of AP ranges from mild to severe. Mild AP has a favorable outcome. Patients with moderately severe and severe AP, on the other hand, require hospitalization and considerable utilization of health care resources. These patients require a multidisciplinary management. Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) and arterial bleeding are the most important local complications of pancreatitis. PFCs may require drainage when infected or symptomatic. PFCs are drained endoscopically or percutaneously, based on the timing and the location of collection. Both the techniques are complementary, and many patients may undergo dual modality treatment. Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) remains the most extensively utilized method for drainage in patients with AP and necrotic PFCs. Besides being effective as a standalone treatment in a significant proportion of these patients, PCD also provides an access for percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy and minimally invasive necrosectomy. Endovascular embolization is the mainstay of management of arterial complications in patients with AP and chronic pancreatitis. The purpose of the present guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the percutaneous management of complications of pancreatitis.

The Tale of a Bleeding Tree: A Rare Case of Peripancreatic Variceal Hemorrhage Causing Hemosuccus Pancreaticus

Hemosuccus pancreaticus (HP) is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It was described by Lawal and Farrel in 1931. This disorder has also been referred to as pseudohemobilia or wirsungorrhagia, caused by bleeding into the pancreatic duct. The rarity of this condition can pose a diagnostic challenge. HP is life-threatening and requires immediate attention. The commonly used treatment modality is coil embolization. Surgery is considered in the case of failed embolization or uncontrolled bleeding. Described below, is a case of a 72-year-old female with a history of chronic pancreatitis who presented with anemia secondary to bleeding peripancreatic varices.

Evaluation of Open Surgical and Endovascular Treatment Options for Visceral Artery Erosions after Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Surgery

Purpose: To report and compare the results of endovascular and open surgical treatment for erosion bleeding of visceral arteries following pancreatitis and pancreatic surgery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 65 consecutive patients (46 males, mean age 63 ± 14 years) presenting with visceral artery erosions between January 2011 and December 2020. Endpoints were technical success, freedom from reintervention, stent-graft-related complications, and 30-day and one-year mortality. Results: The causes of erosion bleeding included complications of surgical treatment for the pancreas and upper gastrointestinal tract (75%), pancreatitis (19%), and spontaneous bleeding (6%). Pancreatectomy was performed in 34 (52%) patients, representing 2% of all pancreatectomy procedures (n = 1645) performed in our hospital during the study period. A total of 37 (57%) patients underwent endovascular treatment (EVT), and 28 (43%) patients had open surgery (OS) as a primary treatment. Eight of 37 (22%) patients in the EVT group underwent stent-graft treatment of the eroded vessels and 28 (78%) coil embolization. Six (9%) patients underwent reintervention with no significant differences between EVT and OS groups (11% vs. 7%, p = 0.692). Postoperative morbidity and complications in 52% of all patients were higher in the OS group than in the EVT group (41% vs. 68%, p = 0.029). The in-hospital 30-days mortality rate for all patients was 25%, and it was higher in the OS group than in the EVT group (14% vs. 39%, p = 0.017). Conclusions: An endovascular-first strategy for treating visceral arteries erosions may be preferred to reduce the complications associated with open surgery if patients are hemodynamically stable and have no anastomotic insufficiency. Endovascular treatment may be associated with better in-hospital survival when compared to primary open surgery. Further studies are required to identify the optimal approach.

Peripancreatic arterial pseudoaneurysm in the background of chronic pancreatitis: clinical profile, management, and outcome

BACKGROUND

Bleeding pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP). It requires expeditious management by a multidisciplinary team. The study aims to report our experience with PSA in the background of CP.

METHODS

All the patients, who underwent intervention for CP-related PSA between August 2007 and December 2020 in the Department of Surgical gastroenterology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the total 26 patients, 25 (96%) were men with a median age of 38 (11-63) years. The most commonly involved vessel was the splenic artery (n = 18, 69%). The interval between onset of GI bleed and intervention was 7 (0-120) days. Embolization was attempted in 11(42%) patients and was successful in six patients. Surgery was performed in 20 (77%) patients including five patients after failed embolization. The most commonly performed operation was distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. The median operating time was 216 (115-313) minutes. The median intraoperative blood loss was 325 (100-1000) ml. Seventeen (85%) patients' required intraoperative blood transfusion. Four patients in the embolization group and five patients in the surgical group developed procedure-related complications. The most common postoperative complication was wound infection followed by pancreatic fistula. There was no procedure-related death. Over a median follow-up of 24 (6-122) months, no patient developed recurrent hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Both embolization and surgery play an important role in the management of PSA. The choice of procedure depends upon the local availability and feasibility of a particular technique.

Hemosuccus Pancreaticus and Obstructive Jaundice: Two Rare Complications of Chronic Pancreatitis Treated by Arterial Embolization

The formation of a peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm is a rare and serious complication of chronic pancreatitis. In this report, we present the case of a 56-year-old male with a history of alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis resulting in both hemosuccus pancreaticus and obstructive jaundice due to a pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery that was treated successfully by angiographic coiling.

Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Following LAMS (Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent) Placement

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication of pancreatitis. Pseudocysts may require decompression when they become painful, infected, or start compressing surrounding organs. Decompression is achieved by endoscopic cystogastrostomy. Recently, the use of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) for cystogastrostomy has gained popularity due to ease of use and high technical success. LAMS has a wider lumen, which allows for direct endoscopic necrosectomy in the cases of walled-off necrosis. Our patient is a 30-year-old male who presented with massive hematemesis and dizziness. He had a history of chronic alcohol-induced pancreatitis. Three weeks before the presentation, he underwent a cystogastrostomy with LAMS placement to treat a 10-cm walled-off necrosis. Urgent computed tomography (CT) scan did not reveal any acute finding suggestive of bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed blood protruding from the LAMS with a large clot formation. Attempts to stop bleeding were unsuccessful. He underwent CT angiography of the abdomen. CT angiography showed a bleeding pseudoaneurysm (PA) believed to be a complication of the LAMS. Subsequently, multiple coils were placed in the splenic artery near the PA. The patient continued to improve without a further drop in hemoglobin and was eventually discharged. PA formation and subsequent rupture is a rare delayed complication of LAMS. It may lead to massive gastrointestinal bleeding with a high mortality rate. Diagnostic delays have resulted in increased mortality by 60%. In this article, we present a case of massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to a ruptured splenic artery PA presenting as a delayed complication of LAMS.

Vascular complications of chronic pancreatitis: A tertiary center experience

INTRODUCTION

Vascular complications such as venous thrombosis (VT) and pseudoaneurysm are not uncommon in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). The aim of this study to was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for vascular complications in patients with CP.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients with CP presenting from January 2002 to August 2019 was performed. Venous thrombosis and pseudoaneurysm were identified using radiological imaging, and their risk factors were identified using multivariate Cox-proportional hazards.

RESULTS

Of 1363 patients with CP, 166 (12.2%) had vascular complications. Isolated VT was present in 132, pseudoaneurysm in 17, and both in 17 patients. They were more commonly seen in males and alcoholic CP (ACP), and less commonly in patients with pancreatic atrophy and calcification. It involved the vessels in the closest proximity to the pancreas, VT most commonly involving the splenic vein whereas pseudoaneurysm most commonly involved the splenic artery. Alcoholic CP [odds ratio (OR) 2.1, p = 0.002], pseudocyst (OR 4.6, p < 0.001) and inflammatory head mass (OR 3.1, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for VT, whereas ACP (OR 3.49, p = 0.006) and pseudocyst (OR 3.2, p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for pseudoaneurysm. Gastrointestinal bleed occurred in 3.5% patients, and more commonly in patients with pseudoaneurysm than VT (64.7% vs 15.9%), and in patients with ACP in comparison to other etiologies (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Vascular complications are a common complication of CP, VT being more frequent than pseudoaneurysm. Pseudocyst and ACP are independent risk factors for the development of vascular complications.

Duodenal Necrosis Associated with a Threatened Ruptured Gastroduodenal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Complicated by Chronic Pancreatitis: Case Report

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) complicated by pancreatitis is a relatively rare and potentially life-threatening condition. The formation of pancreatic PSA is mainly attributed to continuous inflammation response, which induces the enzymatic autodigestion of the adjacent artery wall. The spleen artery is the most affected vessel, and other vessels such as gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and pancreaticoduodenal artery are usually involved. The treatment options for pancreatic PSA include conservative therapy, open surgery (OS), and endovascular procedure. Currently, no broad consensus on the indications for pancreatic PSA treatment is available because of the rarity of the disease. We report an urgent case of a threatened ruptured GDA PSA with duodenal necrosis complicated by chronic pancreatitis that has been treated successfully with OS. The treatment choice, puzzles, and reflections of this case were all discussed in this paper.

Hemorrhagic pancreatic pseudocyst: A rare complication

Pancreatic pseudocysts are seen both in acute and chronic pancreatitis. Prevalence of pancreatic pseudocyst in chronic pancreatitis is 20% to 40% and is most commonly seen in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. Intracystic hemorrhage from a pseudoaneurysm is a rare and potentially a lethal complication of pancreatic pseudocyst with an incidence of less than 10%. We herein present a case of a 42-year-old male with a past medical history of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, stable pseudocyst in the tail of pancreas, alcohol abuse and seizures who presented with abdominal pain and acute anemia had this rare complication of hemorrhagic pseudocyst. The diagnostic modalities used to diagnose hemorrhagic pseudocyst are ultrasound with color doppler, CT with contrast, digital subtraction angiography and angiography. Angiographic embolization of the culprit artery is the preferred treatment of choice in the treatment of pseudoaneurysms. It is important for early recognition and treatment of this complication as the mortality can be as high as 40%.

Interventional treatment options in pseudoaneurysms: different techniques in different localizations

Pseudoaneurysms are commonly experienced vascular abnormalities. The increase in the number of surgical and arteriographic procedures has caused a higher prevalence of pseudoaneurysms. Conventional angiography is still the gold standard method for diagnosis, but other imaging modalities such as duplex Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomographic angiography are useful in noninvasive detection. Over the past few years, interventional radiological treatment has evolved and taken the place of surgery in management. There are different kinds of percutaneous and endovascular treatment methods in pseudoaneurysm management. Treatment options depend on certain conditions. We used a case-based approach to discuss pseudoaneurysms and their appropriate treatment by interventional radiological methods in this article.

Surgery in Chronic Pancreatitis: Indication, Timing and Procedures

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic inflammation of the pancreas with pain as its severest symptom and often an impaired quality of life. Surgical intervention plays an important role in the management of pain but is generally kept as a last resort when conservative measures and endoscopy have failed. However, in the last few years multiple studies suggested the superiority of (early) surgical treatment in chronic pancreatitis for multiple end points, including pain relief. In this paper we highlight the most recent high-quality evidence on surgical therapy in chronic pancreatitis and the rationale for early (surgical) intervention.

A case of pancreatic pseudocysts accompanied by infection, pseudoaneurysm ruptures, and pseudocystocolonic fistulae

Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) can be accompanied by infection, pseudoaneurysm ruptures, and fistulae to other organs, which can be fatal without appropriate treatment. Herein, we present the case of an 82-year-old man with PPs accompanied by infection, pseudoaneurysm rupture, and pseudocystocolonic fistula that were managed via multidisciplinary treatment. Computed tomography (CT) revealed two inflamed PPs, one each in the pancreatic head and tail. He was, therefore, diagnosed with infectious PPs. The pancreatic head PP shrunk on endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage (ENPD), but the pancreatic tail PP did not. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transluminal drainage was performed to treat the pancreatic tail PP; his symptoms improved. However, he vomited blood at 14 day post-drainage. Angiography revealed pseudoaneurysm rupture in a left gastric artery branch. After successful angioembolization, he developed hematochezia 2 days later. We suspected re-bleeding of the pseudoaneurysm. The bleeding stopped spontaneously, but CT and radiography revealed the presence of a pseudocystocolonic fistula. Careful follow-up was performed, and he has not had any symptoms at 9 month post-discharge. We managed PP-related complications via ENPD, EUS-guided transluminal drainage, angioembolization, and careful follow-up. Infection, pseudoaneurysm rupture, and pseudocystocolonic fistula are rare, but can occur simultaneously. Therefore, clinicians should consider these complications when treating patients with PPs.

Arterial Pseudoaneurysm within a Pancreatic Pseudocyst

The formation of pancreatic pseudocysts and (pseudo-)aneurysms of intestinal vessels are rare but life-threatening complications in acute and chronic pancreatitis. Here we report the rare case of a patient suffering from chronic pancreatitis with an arterial pseudoaneurysm within a pancreatic pseudocyst and present its successful therapeutic management by angioembolization to prevent critical bleeding. A 67-year-old male with a history of chronic pancreatitis presented with severe acute abdominal pain and vomiting to the emergency department. Seven weeks prior to the present admission, a CT scan had displayed a pancreatic pseudocyst with a maximum diameter of 53 mm. A laboratory examination revealed an elevated white blood cell count (15.40 × 103/μL), as well as elevated serum lipase (191 U/L), bilirubin (1.48 mg/dL), and blood glucose (353 mg/dL) levels. Sonographically, the previously described pancreatic pseudocyst revealed a slightly increased maximum diameter of 65 mm and an inhomogeneous echo of the cystic content. A contrast-enhanced CT scan showed a further increase in maximum diameter to 70 mm of the known pseudocyst. Inside the pseudocyst, a pseudoaneurysm originating from the splenic artery with a maximum diameter of 41 mm was visualized. After interdisciplinary consultation, prophylactic coil embolization of the splenic artery was immediately performed. The pseudoaneurysm was shut off from blood supply by back-door/front-door occlusion employing 27 coils, resulting in complete exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm from the circulation. Pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis which has been shown to be efficiently treated by coil embolization.

Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) findings of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm: a report of two cases

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAPA) is a relatively infrequently encountered but clinically important vascular change, because it carries a high risk of rupture that warrants prompt treatment regardless of its size. Thus, sufficient knowledge is indispensable when seeing chronic pancreatitis patients or post-traumatic patients. Here, we report two such cases. The first case was a 52-year-old woman known to have chronic pancreatitis who presented with hematemesis and hemodynamic instability in which X-ray computed tomography (CT) and color Doppler sonography (CDS) had difficulty visualizing slow blood flow in SAPA, but superb microvascular imaging (SMI) clearly demonstrated the slow blood flow in SAPA, prompting our therapeutic decision to perform rapid embolization. The second case was a 51-year-old woman with post-traumatic SAPA in which 3D SMI enabled us to understand more clearly the topographic relationship between multiple SAPAs as compared with conventional US, leading to a decision to provide immediate surgical treatment. SMI was thought to provide a new insight into the US diagnosis of SAPA. When examining patients suspected of having a SAPA, SMI is an indispensable diagnostic tool at present.

Endovascular management of pancreatitis-related pseudoaneurysms: A review of techniques

Objectives

To present the various techniques used in the management of pancreatitis-related pseudoaneurysms of visceral vessels.

Methods

The retrospective clinical study was carried out at the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Poznan University of Medical Sciences from 2011 to 2016. The fifteen patients included in the study were diagnosed with pseudoaneurysms of visceral arteries, as a complication of chronic pancreatitis. The diagnosis was made using contrast-enhanced computed tomography, followed by angiography. On admission, all patients were symptomatic, with varying degrees of abdominal pain. One patient was haemodynamically unstable. Treatments with endovascular techniques were analysed, along with their efficacy and outcomes. Coil embolisation was performed in 5 patients. Stent graft was used in 1 patient. Liquid embolic agents were used in 7 cases, of which 5 patients were treated with thrombin injection and 2 with Squid. A combination of techniques was used in 2 patients.

Results

The most common artery affected by pseudoaneurysm formation was the splenic artery (7/15; 46.7%), and the size of the pseudoaneurysms ranged from 27 mm to 85 mm. Primary technical success was achieved in 14 out of 15 patients (93.3%). One patient required reintervention. Two patients required splenectomy after embolisation due to splenic ischemia. No recanalisation was present at the follow-up computed tomography performed after 1 to 3 weeks, and no mortality was observed within 30 days.

Conclusion

Vascular complications of pancreatitis require accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment. Endovascular intervention is highly effective and is the preferred treatment option. The technique used is determined based on vascular anatomy and the patient’s haemodynamic status.

A case of gastrointestinal bleeding due to right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following total remnant pancreatectomy: A case report

Introduction

Pseudoaneurysm is a serious complication after pancreatic surgery, which mainly depends on the presence of a preceding pancreatic fistula. Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage following total pancreatectomy is a rare complication due to the absence of a pancreatic fistula. Here we report an unusual case of massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to right hepatic artery (RHA) pseudoaneurysm following total remnant pancreatectomy.

Presentation of case

A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma recurrence following distal pancreatectomy and underwent total remnant pancreatectomy. After discharge, he was readmitted to our hospital with melena because of the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to detect the origin of bleeding, but an obvious bleeding point could not be detected. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated an expansive growth, which indicated RHA pseudoaneurysm. Emergency angiography revealed gastrointestinal bleeding into the jejunum from the ruptured RHA pseudoaneurysm. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed; subsequently, bleeding was successfully stopped for a short duration. Because of improvements in his general condition, the patient was discharged.

Discussion

To date, very few cases have described postpancreatectomy hemorrhage following total remnant pancreatectomy. We suspect that the aneurysm ruptured into the jejunum, possibly because of the scarring and inflammation associated with his two complex surgeries.

Conclusion

Pseudoaneurysm should be considered when the fragility of blood vessels is suspected, despite no history of anastomotic leak and intra-abdominal abscess. Our case also highlighted that detecting gastrointestinal bleeding is necessary to recognize sentinel bleeding if the origin of bleeding is undetectable.

Pseudoaneurysm associated with complicated pancreatic pseudocysts

A pseudoaneurysm associated with a pseudocyst is a serious and unusual complication of chronic pancreatitis. Its treatment is complex due to its elevated mortality and the need for multidisciplinary management. Initial measures consist in locating the hemorrhage through computerized dynamic tomography and arteriography. The treatment of choice is controversial due to the lack of controlled studies. For managing hemorrhages in stable patients, the most accepted initial measure currently is arterial embolization. In the event of failure of the same, hemodynamic instability or the impossibility of drainage of the pseudocyst, surgery is the subsequent therapeutic option.

Approach to Patients with Epigastric Pain

Epigastric pain is an extremely common complaint in the emergency department and has an associated broad differential diagnosis. In the differential it is important to consider cardiac causes that may be mistaken for gastrointestinal disorders as well as various serious intra-abdominal causes. This article highlights the limitations in laboratory testing and guides providers through the appropriate considerations for advanced imaging. Special attention is focused on acute pancreatitis, esophageal emergencies, and peptic ulcer disease/gastritis and their associated complications.

Hemorrhagic Pseudocyst of Pancreas Treated with Coil Embolization of Gastroduodenal Artery: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Hemorrhage into pseudocyst of pancreas can rarely present as life threatening massive UGI bleeding. We present a case of 21-year-old male, admitted to our department, who was a known case of posttraumatic acute pancreatitis and who developed massive upper GI bleeding. CT angiography of abdomen showed aneurysm of gastroduodenal artery. Patient was successfully treated with coil embolization of gastroduodenal artery.

Pancreatic Pseudocyst with Splenic Artery Erosion, Retroperitoneal and Splenic Hematoma

The erosion of the peripancreatic vascular structures is a rare but life-endangering complication of pancreatic diseases. We report a female patient with a multicompartmentalized pancreatic pseudocyst that eroded the splenic artery resulting in a retroperitoneal and splenic hematoma with hemodynamic instability which required emergency laparotomy with splenectomy, partial cystectomy, ligation of the splenic artery at the level of the vascular erosion, cholecystectomy (lithiasis), and multiple drainage. The postoperative course was difficult (elevated level of platelets, pancreatic fistula) but eventually favourable, with no abdominal complaints and no recurrence at 2-year follow-up. The case shows that the pancreatic pseudocysts may present with acute hemorrhagic complications with life-endangering potential and significant postoperative morbidity.