Embolization of a large pancreatic pseudoaneurysm converted from pseudocyst (hemorrhagic pseudocyst).
BACKGROUND
Bleeding pancreatic pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis with a severe prognosis and high mortality. Conversion of a pancreatic pseudocyst into a pseudoaneurysm is a potentially lethal complication because, when rupture occurs, there is a high mortality rate.


METHODS
We describe a case of pancreatic pseudoaneurysm converted from a pseudocyst. A 57-year-old man with chronic pancreatitis and alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with abdominal pain in the upper epigastric region. CT and a selective angiogram of the superior mesenteric artery showed a large bleeding pancreatic pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with coil embolization of the feeding artery.


CONCLUSIONS
Endovascular trans-catheter embolization for the treatment of pancreatic pseudoaneurysms is a safe, effective and repeatable procedure with high success rates and it should be used as a treatment of choice in appropriate patients, either as a temporizing measure to control active bleeding and allow hemodynamic stabilization for a surgical procedure or as a definitive treatment.
Novacic
Karlo
K
Department of Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia. karlo.novacic@zg.t-com.hr
Vidjak
Vinko
V
Suknaic
Slaven
S
Skopljanac
Andrija
A
D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior; D008875:Middle Aged; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010192:Pancreatic Pseudocyst / Q000150:complications*; D050500:Pancreatitis, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome