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