Transcatheter arterial embolization for postoperative intraperitoneal and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a patient with severe acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Pancreatitis is associated with pseudoaneurysm in 4-10% of patients. Intraperitoneal and gastrointestinal hemorrhage resulting from rupture of a pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of pancreatitis. We report a male with severe acute pancreatitis presenting with intraperitoneal and gastrointestinal hemorrhage 13 days and 68 days after debridement and drainage of infected necrosis of pancreas, which were successfully managed by a transcatheter arterial embolization with “two points” (both sides of the bleeding point). This case not only reveals the management of intraperitoneal and gastrointestinal hemorrhage, but also indicates “two points” embolization could be the definitive therapy for hemorrhage secondary to severe acute pancreatitis.