Acute-phase endovascular management of an uncommon bleeding peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

Pancreatic pseudoaneurysms represent relatively rare but potentially lethal complications of acute or chronic pancreatitis, involving several visceral arteries. Due to their intrinsic instability and subsequent high risk of massive bleeding, these lesions require prompt treatment, regardless of the size of the pseudoaneurysm. First option of treatment is today represented by transcatheter embolization; this treatment, in fact, shows higher rates of clinical and technical success and lower recurrence rates than conventional surgery. We present a clinical case of endovascular management of a large pseudoaneurysm, measuring 54 x 53 mm (AP x LL), involving right gastric artery in a 35-year-old woman with history of chronic alcoholic abuse presenting with severe anemia.