Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm with hemosuccus pancreaticus requiring multimodal treatment.

Abstract

Termed hemosuccus pancreaticus by Sandblom in 1970, hemorrhage from the pancreatic duct into the gastrointestinal tract represents a rare and challenging problem. Patients present with repeated upper gastrointestinal bleeding that is intermittent but often self-limited. In most cases, this pathophysiologic process is secondary to pancreatitis, chronic inflammation, and subsequent splenic artery pseudoaneurysm bleeding. Previously treated with open splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy, hemosuccus pancreaticus is now often managed with minimally invasive endovascular means. We describe an uncommon presentation of hemosuccus pancreaticus in the absence of prior pancreatitis, requiring open splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and celiac artery ligation after failed endovascular intervention.