THU377 Arterio-enteric Fistula, A Rare Complication After Pancreatic Transplant

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: A.M. Herrera Chancay: None. A. Calderon: None. A. Manavalan: None. Introduction: Areterio-enteric (AE) fistula is a rare but life-threatening complication of a failed pancreas transplant and most often presents with a gastrointestinal (GI) herald bleed. This case illustrates the importance of the prompt recognition and appropriate evaluation of GI bleeding in patients with a failed pancreas transplant and highlights the challenges associated with the management of an AE fistula. Case Description: A 53-year-old man with history of T1D complicated by retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and failed combined pancreas-renal transplant, presented to our hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to insulin pump malfunction. His course was complicated by a GI bleed. He was initiated on proton pump inhibitors but endoscopy was deferred due to resolution of bleeding. The patient was discharged from the hospital with plans for outpatient endoscopy however, he returned to the emergency room with hematemesis, malena and hemorrhagic shock complicated by cardiac arrest. Emergent endoscopy was performed but the source of bleeding could not be visualized due to large clots and fresh blood. A CT angiogram revealed brisk bleeding from the right common iliac pancreatic transplant graft. Coil embolization was attempted but unsuccessful and the patient was ultimately treated with two stents to the right iliac artery with subsequent resolution of bleeding. The patient was ultimately discharged home in stable condition. Conclusion: During pancreas transplant, the donor pancreas and duodenum are connected by a Roux en Y anastomosis to the small bowel of the recipient. The donor pancreas is placed in the right iliac fossa followed by anastomosis of the recipient right common iliac artery with the donor Y graft (Consisting of the iliac artery, its bifurcation, and the splenic and superior mesenteric arteries). AE fistula is an extremely rare complication of pancreatic transplant with only about 30 reported cases. This occurs in the setting of transplant failure, possibly due to the increased local inflammation. Endoscopy is often unsuccessful in locating the bleeding source. Angiography and stenting of the bleeding vessel seem to offer the most success and should be considered in patients with failed pancreas transplant presenting with GI bleeding. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023