Aneurysm rupture secondary to transcatheter embolization.

False aneurysms of the pancreatic and peripancreatic arteries are a well recognized complication of chronic pancreatitis due to proteolytic enzymatic digestion of the arterial wall. These false aneurysms can be a source of life-threatening hemorrhage. Three cases are reported in which attempted embolizations of these bleeding aneurysms resulted in rupture into the gastrointestinal tract. Special precautions should be taken in such a procedure because of the inherent weakness of the aneurysmal wall.