Gastroinstestinal Fistula in Acute Necrotising Pancreatitis with Septicaemia: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute Pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition with cumbersome side effects. Gastropancreatic (GI) fistula is a rare complication seen in cases with infected pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis. GI fistulas can result in severe haemorrhage and septicemia. Hereby, the authors present a case of 36-year-old male with a chief complaint of abdominal pain associated with abdominal distension and non bilious vomiting after binge consumption of alcohol for the past 10 days. Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed the presence of free gas in the abdomen. Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) imaging revealed diffuse enlargement affecting the head, uncinate process, body, and tail of the pancreas. There were also a few necrotic peripancreatic fluid collections with extensive peripancreatic fat stranding. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of acute necrotising pancreatitis was suggested. Despite treatment with antibiotics and necrosectomy with drainage of the abscess collection, the patient showed no improvement. A repeat CECT examination was performed due to the deterioration of the patient’s clinical condition, which showed a complete non enhancing pancreas. Additionally, a large defect measuring approximately 16 mm was observed in the posteroinferior wall of the stomach at the middle third of the body, with extravasation of contrast material into the pancreatic collection, suggestive of fistula formation. Subsequently, the patient underwent pancreatic necrosectomy with closure of the gastric perforation using feeding jejunostomy. A follow-up CT examination was performed four days later due to the deteriorating status of the patient, as well as new onset haematemesis and bloody discharge from the surgical drain. The CT scan revealed a few peripancreatic soft tissue infiltrates adjacent to the pancreatic head. Persistent collections were noted along the anterolateral surface of the right psoas, extending to the adjoining right anterior pararenal space and the left anterolateral abdominal wall in the left hypochondriac region. Thickening of the bilateral lateroconal fascia and anterior and posterior renal fascia was observed, likely due to inflammation. Following this, the patient underwent another surgery, and percutaneous drainage was performed with antibiotic coverage. The patient showed a significant reduction in the collection and improved clinical condition after 10 days. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing such complications, enabling early detection and reducing mortality in these patients.