Transcatheter embolization of pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic role of angiography in patients with pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis.

Methods: Thirteen symptomatic pseudoaneurysms were treated in nine patients with pancreatitis. Eight patients had chronic pancreatitis and pseudocyst and one had acute pancreatitis. Clinical presentation included gastrointestinal bleeding in seven patients and epigastric pain without bleeding in two. All patients underwent transcatheter embolization.

Results: Transcatheter embolization resulted in symptomatic resolution in all patients. Rebleeding occurred in two patients, 18 and 28 days after embolization respectively, and was successfully treated by repeated embolization. One patient with severe pancreatitis died from sepsis 28 days after embolization. Follow-up was then available for eight patients with no relapse of bleeding after a mean follow-up of 32 months (range 9-48 months).

Conclusions: Transcatheter embolization is safe and effective in the management of pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis.