Huge Splenic Pseudoaneurysm Complicated from Surgery for Pancreatitis: Report of a Case

Abstract

A bleeding pseudoaneurysm of a visceral artery is a rare but potentially lethal complication of acute or chronic pancreatitis, with a high mortality rate if left untreated. Current modalities for management of bleeding pseudoaneurysm include transarterial embolization by interventional radiology or surgical resection. Herein we present a case of alcoholic pancreatitis complicated with splenic artery pseudoaneurysm with the symptom of sudden onset of abdominal pain. The case was successfully managed with aneurysmectomy, distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. The patient remained asymptomatic until four years later when he presented with a similar episode of acute pancreatitis.