Transcatheter embolization as primary treatment for visceral pseudoaneurysms in pancreatitis: clinical outcome and imaging follow up.

BACKGROUND

Pseudoaneurysm formation is an uncommon but fatal complication of pancreatitis. The morbidity and mortality associated with surgical management is high. Transcatheter embolization is a definitive minimally invasive form of treatment.

AIM

To review our experience with transcatheter embolization as a therapeutic modality for pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included data of 30 patients (mean age 37 years, range 25 to 65; 24 men) with visceral pseudoaneurysms secondary to pancreatitis, who underwent diagnostic angiography and transcatheter embolization, during the period March 1993 to February 2003.

RESULTS

In 29 patients the pseudoaneurysms were successfully isolated from the circulation, and hemostasis was achieved. Re-bleeding occurred in one patient, for which re-embolization was done. Twenty-nine patients improved clinically. One patient in whom the pseudoaneurysm was successfully embolized died due to septicemic shock.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular embolization is a safe and effective non-surgical modality of treatment for visceral pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis.