When organs collide: A rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

A 72-year-old man was referred to our Emergency Department with a 2-week history of melaena. His medical history was relevant for Atrial Fibrillation and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) in remission on most recent PET. Our patient responded to resuscitative management and then went on to have upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation to elucidate the cause of bleeding. As seen in the images, endoscopy showed a gross defect in fundal wall with evidence of extrinsic infiltration by a large vascular mass-like structure, suspected to be spleen. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen and pelvis confirmed a gastrosplenic fistula as well as new lymphadenopathy. The findings were in keeping with recurrence of NHL. Discussion at multidisciplinary meeting deemed his gastrosplenic fistula unsuitable for surgical repair. He was managed conservatively, had a nasojejunal (NJ) tube inserted for feeding, and clinically improved on the ward. Our patient expressed a preference not to undergo further chemotherapy, having struggled quite significantly with his initial chemotherapy. He was discharged home 23 days following admission. At this stage, his NJ tube was removed and he was tolerating oral diet. He is currently being managed by the Palliative Care team in the community.

Gastrosplenic Fistula and/or Splenic Abscess: A Rare and Refractory Complication Following Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Splenic abscess is a rare complication often associated with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) due to factors including local infections, distant infections, tumors, ischemia, and trauma, which presents substantial challenges. We report four cases of gastrosplenic fistula and/or splenic abscess after SG. Patient data, including demographics, comorbidities, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and outcomes, were recorded. Surgical techniques for SG adhered to established protocols. Four patients had a male-to-female ratio of 2:2, with an average age of 39.8 years and an average preoperative BMI of 38.9 kg/m2. All patients were readmitted due to recurrent fever and chills caused by splenic abscesses detected on CT scans, with an average admission duration of 16.5 weeks. Treatments varied from fasting and antibiotics to percutaneous drainage and surgical interventions. The average treatment duration post-diagnosis of splenic abscess was 37.25 weeks. Managing gastrosplenic fistula and/or splenic abscess is complex, underscoring the significance of prompt diagnosis and proper treatment. This highlights the need for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals to promptly recognize and manage this rare complication after SG.

Gastrosplenic fistula due to splenic lymphoma: two case reports and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare and potentially fatal complication of various conditions. Lymphoma is the most common cause. It can occur spontaneously or after chemotherapy. Gastrosplenic fistula diagnosis can be confused with a splenic abscess because of the presence of air into the mass. The computed tomography identification of the fistulous tract is the key to a right diagnosis. Treatment modalities include surgical resection, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report two patients with gastrosplenic fistula due to diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The first patient was a 54-year-old Caucasian woman with an enormous primary splenic diffuse large B cell lymphoma leading to the development of a spontaneous fistula in the stomach. The second patient was a 48-year-old Caucasian male patient with an enormous splenic diffuse large B cell lymphoma complicated by fistula after chemotherapy. Both patients died of septic shock several days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare complication with a poor-prognosis, for which surgery is currently the preferred treatment.

Type V gastric ulcer: An unusual etiology of gastrosplenic fistula associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Type V gastric ulcer is an unusual etiology of gastrosplenic fistula (GSF). Prompt diagnosis and early embolization of splenic vessels prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy and surgical resection is crucial.

Splenic abscess with spontaneous gastrosplenic fistula: case report and review of the literature.

Gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is an unusual event that might occur in patients with various gastric or splenic diseases. While GSF related to gastric and splenic malignancies is well-documented in the literature, cases of GSF due to a splenic abscess are extremely rare. We experienced the case of a 49-year-old man with a medical history of tricuspid cardiac valve replacement for infective endocarditis who presented with a sudden onset of anemia and melena. With the assistance of imaging and endoscopy, a primary splenic abscess complicated by spontaneous GSF was diagnosed. A prompt splenectomy with partial gastrectomy was performed. GSF is a serious occurrence associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. The early recognition of GSF related to a splenic abscess is crucial to prevent major complications. Surgical resection with splenectomy and partial gastrectomy is frequently preferred for the treatment of large abscesses with GSF.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Gastrosplenic Fistula Secondary to Malignant Etiology: Single-Centre Experience of 5 Cases.

Gastrosplenic fistula is an uncommon manifestation of malignancy of the stomach and spleen. The aim of this study is to present our 10-year experience on gastrosplenic fistula secondary to malignant etiology. Endoscopy, imaging, and histopathology records of all the patients with gastric and splenic malignant pathologies were reviewed retrospectively. The protocol was approved by the ethical review board of the institute. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. A total of 5 cases were found to have gastrosplenic fistula. Of these 5 cases, 2 were due to large B cell lymphoma of the spleen, 1 was secondary to Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach, 1 case was due to diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach, and 1 patient was secondary to gastric adenocarcinoma. Gastrosplenic fistula is an exceptionally rare complication of gastrointestinal malignancy. Lymphoma of the spleen is the commonest cause while gastric adenocarcinoma causing gastrosplenic fistula is extremely rare. Most cases occur spontaneously.

Gastrosplenic Fistula: a Systematic Review.

Gastrosplenic fistula is an unusual complication of benign as well as malignant gastric and splenic pathologies. This pathology acquires an important clinical significance due to its rare association with life-threatening upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The aim of this article is to review the English-language literature in order to gain a better understanding of etiological factors, diagnostic evaluation, and management of gastrosplenic fistula. The systematic search of the literature was performed on PubMed and MEDLINE from January 1950 to September 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. We retrieved 44 articles matching our selection criteria from the search. There were 3 case series, 37 case reports, and 4 review of the literature. In our appraisal of articles published in PUBMED, a total of 36 cases of malignant and 10 cases of benign gastrosplenic fistula could be identified. Gastrosplenic fistula is an exceptional complication of malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. Lymphomas particularly arising from the spleen are the commonest cause. Gastric adenocarcinoma causing GSF is extremely rare. Most cases occur spontaneously, but at times, it can be secondary to tumour necrosis following chemotherapy.

An Unusual Differential Diagnosis of Gastric Haemorrhage: A Rare Case of Gastrosplenic Fistula.

A gastrosplenic fistula is a rare complication of primary splenic lymphoma and a rare cause of massive upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. We report a case of a spontaneous gastrosplenic fistula secondary to splenic large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was admitted to the emergency department with haematemesis. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a deep gastric ulcer, and a subsequent CT scan revealed a gastrosplenic fistula. Gastric biopsy demonstrated gastric mucosa with infiltration by large lymphoid cells. A multidisciplinary discussion on the management of this case was conducted. Primary surgical treatment of the fistula was not deemed indicated because the bleeding had stopped. The patient was stabilized, transfused, and then transferred to the oncology unit for chemotherapy. During hospitalization, lung metastases were found but the progressive worsening of the patient's general condition contraindicated chemotherapy. She was transferred to a hospice and died 2 months later of neoplastic cachexia. Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare condition. Prompt recognition of the underlying pathology can save the patient's life. We aim to highlight this rare complication of splenic lymphoma, discuss the presenting signs and symptoms, and explore the management options. LEARNING POINTS: A gastrosplenic fistula is a rare complication of primary splenic lymphoma.It can cause massive upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage.Our patient was managed without surgery but died 2 months later from neoplastic cachexia.

Management of Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Secondary to Gastrosplenic Fistula.

Gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is seen secondary to the development of a fistulous track between the stomach and spleen and/or splenic vessels. It is most commonly seen in patients with diffuse B-cell lymphoma, who usually present with symptoms of abdominal pain and weight loss. GSF has also been seen in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, peptic ulcer disease, splenic abscesses, and post gastric sleeve resection. Less than 25% of the patients with GSF may present with upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB). This presentation of GSF is common with benign causes including peptic ulcer disease. UGIB secondary to GSF, while rare, requires prompt identification and intervention, to avoid catastrophic outcomes. We discuss the case of a 64-year-old female with GSF, who presented with sentinel bleed followed by hemorrhagic shock, secondary to a B-cell lymphoma, who was managed with a partial gastrectomy, splenectomy, and distal pancreatectomy, with favorable outcomes.

Fístula gastroesplénica por linfoma de células B. Reporte de un caso / Gastro-splenic fistula due to B-cell lymphoma. Case report

RESUMEN: El absceso esplénico es una patología poco frecuente; su incidencia es baja (0,2 a 0,7%)1,2; por tanto, es importante individualizar el tratamiento, buscar su causa y ofrecer al paciente el mejor manejo. Hasta hace algunos años, un absceso esplénico se lo trataba siempre mediante esplenectomía; sin embargo, actualmente, debido a la importante función inmunitaria del bazo, su extirpación quirúrgica es la última alternativa. Inicialmente, se debe intentar tratamiento médico con antibióticos de amplio espectro; luego probablemente se requiera pensar en el drenaje guiado por tomografía y, finalmente, la tercera opción es la esplenectomía. En este artículo presentamos el caso de un paciente con un absceso esplénico grande (aproximadamente 550 ml) del polo superior, secundario a un linfoma esplénico abscedado que fistulizó hacia el fondo gástrico. A propósito de este paciente, revisamos la literatura médica y realizamos algunas recomendaciones para el manejo de esta patología.

ABSTRACT: Splenic abscess is a rare condition with a low incidence (0,2 to 0,7%). It is important to individualize treatment, seek its source and offer the patient the best management. Until a few years ago a splenic abscess was always treated with splenectomy. Nowadays, due to the important immune function of the spleen surgical removal is the last alternative. Initially medical treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics should be attempted. The next step is usually tomography-guided drainage. The last step used if other methods fail is splenectomy. In this article we present a case of a patient with a large splenic abscess (550 ml approximately) from the upper pole secondary to B cell lymphoma that fistulized towards the gastric fundus. We reviewed the current medical literature regarding this pathology and the current treatment algorithm.Keywords: splenic abscess, B cell lymphoma, gastrosplenic fistula.

Gastrosplenic Fistula without Malignancy Management in a 16-Year-Old Boy.

Gastrosplenic fistula is a very rare entity, most commonly occurring as a distinctive complication of splenic or gastric malignancies, most notably diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Benign gastric ulcer, splenic abscess, and Crohn's disease have also been reported as possible causes. We report a nonmalignant case of 16-year-old male with a gastrosplenic fistula of unclear etiology. The fistulous tract was confirmed by an upper endoscopy and an upper gastrointestinal series. Subsequently, it was surgically managed with a subtotal gastrectomy with "Roux-en-Y" reconstruction and a feeding jejunostomy.

Successful Treatment of Gastrosplenic Fistula Arising from Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Chemotherapy: Two Case Reports.

Gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is a rare condition arising from gastric or splenic lymphomas. Surgical resection is the most common treatment, as described in previous reports. We report two cases of GSF in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients that were successfully treated with chemotherapy and irradiation without surgical resection. Case 1 was of a 63-year-old man who had primary gastric DLBCL with a large lesion outside the stomach wall, leading to a spontaneous fistula in the spleen. Case 2 was of a 59-year-old man who had primary splenic DLBCL, which proliferated and infiltrated directly into the stomach. In both cases, chemotherapy comprising rituximab + dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin) was administered. Case 1 had significant bleeding from the lesion of the stomach during the treatment cycle; however, endoscopic hemostasis was achieved. Case 2 developed a fistula between the stomach and the spleen following therapeutic chemotherapy; however, no complications related to the fistula were observed thereafter. In both cases, irradiation was administered, and complete remission was achieved.

Gastrosplenic Fistula with Gastrointestinal Bleeding: a Rare and Potentially Fatal Complication After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although the surgical technique is safe and standardized, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is associated with serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as gastric leak and bleeding. METHODS: In this retrospective study, three French university hospitals reviewed their experience with LSG. Between September 2014 and May 2016, three cases of gastrosplenic fistula complicated by massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) were recorded. RESULTS: Patient number 1 experienced a massive UGIH 2 months after LSG. After blood transfusion, a transcatheter embolization of the splenic artery branch was successfully performed. Patient number 2 was admitted to the emergency department for massive UGIH 5 years after LSG. After several unsuccessful endoscopic attempts, she underwent a midline laparotomy, and an "en bloc" staple line resection and splenectomy was performed. Patient number 3 arrived at the hospital with an unstable hemodynamic status 16 days after the LSG and was given emergency surgery. She died as a consequence of hemorrhagic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Post-LSG gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is a rare and dreaded complication necessitating emergency management. Angiography with arterial embolization seems to be the treatment of choice for GSF following SG, allowing diagnosis and treatment when hemodynamic stability is warranted. In a life-threatening situation, hemostatic splenectomy remains the treatment of choice.

Management of gastrosplenic fistula in the emergency setting - A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: A gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is a very rare complication that arises mainly from a splenic or gastric large cell lymphoma. The proximity of the gastric fundus to the enlarged fragile spleen may facilitate the fistulisation. This complication can lead to massive bleeding, which, though uncommon, may be lethal. We present a patient with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to a GSF. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 48-year-old man with a refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who was admitted to our hospital due to hematemesis. On arrival, he was in hemorrhagic shock, and was taken directly to the intensive care unit. The source of bleeding could not be identified on gastroscopy, the patient remained hemodynamically unstable and a laparotomy was performed.A fistula between a branch of the splenic artery and the stomach was identified. The stomach appeared to be involved in the malignant process. After subtotal gastrectomy and splenectomy, the bleeding was controlled. After stabilization, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, and 24 hours later was discharged in stable condition. DISCUSSION: We describe a fistula between a branch of the splenic artery and the stomach, which was accompanied by massive bleeding. An emergency laparotomy saved the patient's life. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this report is to alert physicians that surgical intervention can be lifesaving in this rare malignant condition. A literature review focusing on the presenting symptoms and the epidemiology of GSF is presented.

Gastrosplenic fistula occurring in lymphoma patients: Systematic review with a new case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma.

AIM: To provide the overall spectrum of gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) occurring in lymphomas through a systematic review including a patient at our hospital. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database to identify studies of GSF occurring in lymphomas. A computerized search of our institutional database was also performed. In all cases, we analyzed the clinicopathologic/radiologic features, treatment and outcome of GSF occurring in lymphomas. RESULTS: A literature search identified 25 relevant studies with 26 patients. Our institutional data search added 1 patient. Systematic review of the total 27 cases revealed that GSF occurred mainly in diffuse, large B-cell lymphoma (n = 23), but also in diffuse, histiocytic lymphoma (n = 1), Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 2), and NK/T-cell lymphoma (n = 1, our patient). The common clinical presentations are constitutional symptoms (n = 20) and abdominal pain (n = 17), although acute gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 6) and infection symptoms due to splenic abscess (n = 3) are also noted. In all patients, computed tomography scanning was very helpful for diagnosing GSF and for evaluating the lymphoma extent. GSF could occur either post-chemotherapy (n = 10) or spontaneously (n = 17). Surgical resection has been the most common treatment. Once patients have recovered from the acute illness status after undergoing surgery, their long-term outcome has been favorable. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides an overview of GSF occurring in lymphomas, and will be helpful in making physicians aware of this rare disease entity.

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding after chemotherapy for gastric lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is a rare condition almost always associated with lymphoma, with gastric and splenic involvement. CASE REPORT: We report a 52 year old male with gastric lymphoma admitted to the emergency department with hematemesis. The first chemotherapy cycle had been completed four weeks before. Oesophagoduodenoscopy showed a pulsatile ulcerated lesion. Surgical hemostasis was performed. Four days after surgery, the patient initiated sudden and massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding with hemodynamic compromise. A gastrosplenic fistula was recognized during emergency laparotomy and an en bloc total gastrectomy and splenopancreatectomy resection was performed, with massive blood transfusion. Patient was discharged 13 days after the second surgery. DISCUSSION: Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare condition, previously described associated with gastric lymphoma at presentation or after treatment. A prompt recognition of the underlying pathology could avoid a second surgery. CONCLUSION: A systematic and interdisciplinary approach is the key for success in rare challenging emergencies. Infrequent etiologies must always be considered as they need specific therapeutic approaches that defy paradigms.

Fístula gastroesplénica secundaria a adenocarcinoma gástrico / Gastrosplenic fistula secondary to gastric adenocarcinoma

Se informa el caso de un paciente con una fístula gastro-esplénica ocasionada por un adenocarcinoma gástrico y bacteriemia por Streptococcus anginosus, con desenlace fatal...

We present a case report of a patient with spontaneous gastro-splenic fistula due to gastric adenocarcinoma associated with Streptococcus anginosus bacteriemia and fatal outcome...

Gastrosplenic fistula due to splenic large B-cell lymphoma.

A gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is an unusual complication arising from a variety of primary gastric or splenic malignant lesions and less commonly from benign diseases. Splenic large cell lymphoma may be a main cause of this distinctive complication. We report a case of 62-year-old male with spontaneous GSF due to pathologically proven splenic large cell lymphoma who was diagnosed by computed tomography and treated successfully by surgical management.

Gastrosplenic Fistula Complicated in a Patient with Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Reported cases of gastrosplenic fistulas are extremely rare in the literature. Malignancy is the primary cause in 50% of patients, followed by perforated peptic ulcer (40%). Fistulas can cause spleen rupture and potential bleeding that threaten the life of the patient. Lymphoma is the most common cause of malignancy complicated with gastrosplenic fistula. Most gastrosplenic fistulae caused by lymphoma eventually close following chemotherapy, although splenectomy should be performed to avoid further complications. We experienced a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma complicated with gastrosplenic fistula in a 21 year-old man. He was admitted to our hospital because of LUQ mass. On the abdominal CT, a splenic mass with central necrosis and gas was discovered. The biopsy specimen of the stomach and spleen displayed diffuse, large B cell type non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. After one cycle of CHOP chemotherapy, the LUQ mass was markedly regressed although the gastrosplenic fistula was still present on the follow-up CT. The fistula was treated by splenectomy and a partial resection of gastric fundus. Follow-up chemotherapy was continued after surgery.