Hemorrhagic pseudocyst and pseudocyst with pseudoaneurysm successfully treated by pancreatectomy: report of three cases

Hemorrhagic pseudoaneurysm of pancreatic pseudocyst is one of the serious complications of acute pancreatitis. We successfully treated three patients who had hemorrhagic pseudocyst and pseudocyst with pseudoaneurysm by pancreatectomy. Case 1 was 43-year-old Japanese man who had had several episodes of acute pancreatitis and was diagnosed with hemorrhagic pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery in a pseudocyst in the pancreatic tail, shown on computed tomography (CT) and angiography. Transarterial embolization (TAE) yielded hemostasis of the pseudoaneurysm, but rebleeding occurred 2 weeks after the TAE. Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was successfully performed. Case 2 was a 64-year-old Japanese man who presented to us with several attacks of acute pancreatitis. Imagings showed bleeding pseudoaneurysm of the transverse pancreatic artery in a pseudocyst in the pancreatic body. Because of marked stenosis in the proximal portion of the transverse pancreatic artery, TAE was unsuccessful. Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was performed successfully. Case 3 was a 40-year-old Japanese woman who had a history of abdominal trauma. Imagings showed bleeding pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery in a posttraumatic pseudocyst in the pancreas. TAE of the pseudoaneurysm was unsuccessful because of the proximity of the pseudoaneurysm and the splenic artery. Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was successfully performed and her postoperative outcome was satisfactory. Whenever interventional radiology (IVR) is not indicated or has failed, aggressive and immediate surgical intervention should be considered for early and definitive recovery in these patients. Received: November 15, 1999 / Accepted: April 6, 2000     

Diagnosis and treatment of splenic contusion

Splenic contusion was revealed in 12% of the sufferers with splenic trauma. The main methods for diagnosis of contusion are computerized tomography and angiography. The treatment is conservative. The operation is indicated in development of complications: splenic abscess, posttraumatic thrombophlebitic splenomegaly, intrasplenic hematoma.     

Embolization of pancreatic allograft arteriovenous fistula with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4: case report and literature analysis

Vascular complications remain a major cause of graft loss after pancreatic transplantation. They include vascular thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, and arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We report a case of an AVF that appeared 3 months after a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT). Doppler ultrasonography followed by magnetic resonance angiography and later angiography provided a definitive diagnosis of a mesenteric AVF. An endovascular approach is becoming the treatment of choice owing to the high risk of graft loss associated with open surgical correction. Microcoils alone, or in conjunction with detachable balloons, are frequently used; still, a new generation of vascular plugs seem to offer a therapeutic option for AVF closure, because it is a “1 shot” procedure that avoids the risk of accidental coil migration. A new-generation Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 was deployed over the distal arterial branch of the superior mesenteric artery stump, leading to complete exclusion of the AVF and restoring normal vascular flow.     

Delayed presentation of arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysms in a renal transplant patient 10 years after percutaneous allograft biopsy

A 51-year-old man was admitted with microscopic hematuria at 10 years after living donor renal transplantation. In order to distinguish between acute tubular necrosis and acute rejection, a graft biopsy was performed under ultrasound guidance at 1 month posttransplantation. Doppler sonography revealed 3 pulsatile cystic masses and an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in the lower kidney pole. Selective transplant renal angiography revealed 3 pseudoaneurysms with an AVF supplied by a lobular artery in the lower pole. The diagnosis was AVF with pseudoaneurysm, which developed secondary to percutaneous renal allograft biopsy. Interventional treatment was performed because of the high risk for pseudoaneurysm rupture. The AVF and pseudoaneurysms were treated successfully by percutaneous transluminal embolization; renal function remained stable after embolization.     

Renal allograft arteriovenous fistula and large pseudoaneurysm

The patient was a 51-year-old female. Post-biopsy arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and pseudoaneurysm in a renal allograft were diagnosed 5 yr and 4 months after she received a renal transplantation. Four years after the diagnosis, interventional treatment for the AVF and pseudoaneurysm was performed because of a high risk of pseudoaneurysm rupture. Although the longitudinal diameter of the pseudoaneurysm was more than 5 cm, this AVF and pseudoaneurysm were treated successfully by a percutaneous transluminal embolization, and renal function has remained stable after embolization. A selective interventional procedure proved effective for the large pseudoaneurysm in the renal allograft. Therefore, when a transcutaneous needle biopsy of the renal allograft is performed, although there are no apparent symptoms or signs of vascular complications during the clinical course, periodical examinations such as echo-Doppler imaging should be made on the allograft.     

Delayed presentation of perisplenic abscess following arterial embolization

INTRODUCTIONSplenic abscess formation is a rare but significant complication that may occur after non-operative management (NOM) of a blunt splenic injury (BSI). we describe an unusual case of perisplenic abscess formation nearly 4 months after splenic artery angioembolization for a grade III splenic laceration.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 52-year-old male was transferred to the Emergency Department (ED) of our institution after falling off his bicycle. He was hemodynamically stable but complained of left upper quadrant pain. Computed tomography (CT) was notable for a Grade III splenic laceration. The patient underwent a successful splenic artery embolization on hospital day 1. He had an uneventful post-embolization course and was discharged 3 days later, afebrile, with a stable hematocrit. Four months after his initial presentation, the patient presented to the ED with fever, malaise, and left upper quadrant abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed a multiloculated perisplenic abscess. He underwent a splenectomy and drainage of peri-splenic abscess, received a course of antibiotics, and had an uneventful recovery.DISCUSSIONNOM including splenic angioembolization (SAE) is the standard of care for blunt splenic trauma in hemodynamically stable patients. Known complications from SAE include bleeding, missed injuries to the diaphragm and pancreas, and splenic abscess. This report documents a delayed perisplenic abscess following NOM of blunt splenic trauma, a rare but potential complication of SAE.CONCLUSIONFormation of a perisplenic abscess may occur several months after NOM of a blunt splenic injury. Prompt surgical management and antibiotic therapy are critical to avoid life-threatening complications.     

Splenic rupture after colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is a familiar and well-tolerated procedure and is widely used as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality by both gastroenterologists and surgeons. Although perforation and hemorrhage are the most common complications, splenic injury or rupture is a rare but potentially lethal complication. We report a case of splenic rupture diagnosed 18 hours after colonoscopy, which required emergent splenectomy. We also reviewed over 39 other cases of splenic rupture or injury after colonoscopy reported in the English literature. Despite being an infrequent complication, splenic rupture warrants a high degree of clinical suspicion critical to prompt diagnosis. Most patients present with symptoms within 24 hours after colonoscopy, although delayed presentation days later has been described. CT scan of the abdomen is the radiological study of choice to evaluate colonoscopic complications. Splenic injury can be managed conservatively or with arterial embolization depending on the extent of trauma, but splenectomy remains definitive management. Clinical criteria are the primary determinants in choosing operative therapy over observation. Herein, possible risk factors for splenic trauma during colonoscopy are identified, and clinical outcomes are evaluated.     

Posttraumatic Splenic Cysts and Partial Splenectomy: Report of a Case

Nonparasitic splenic cysts are uncommon, with only around 800 cases described in the literature. Posttraumatic splenic pseudocysts constitute most such cases and require surgical treatment when symptomatic or voluminous. Recent studies have provided a better understanding of splenic tissue function and the consequent risks of complete resection of the spleen. Hence surgeons should make every possible effort to preserve splenic tissue. Several spleen-conserving surgical treatments have been proposed, especially for treatment of splenic posttraumatic pseudocysts. The authors report the case of a 13-year-old girl who had a posttraumatic splenic cyst with progressive growth. The diameter of the cyst at surgery was 15 cm, and partial splenectomy was performed. The most common spleen-conserving surgical techniques are briefly reviewed. Received: September 20, 1999 / Accepted: September 26, 2000     

Swan-Ganz catheter-induced pseudoaneurysm of the pulmonary artery

Pseudoaneurysm of the pulmonary artery (PA) induced by Swan-Ganz catheter injury is an important complication with high mortality. We report a case of PA pseudoaneurysm treated by PA repair. A 52-year-old woman developing infiltrate in the right lung field in chest radiography after a second mitral valve replacement was diagnosed with PA pseudoaneurysm confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and pulmonary angiography. The cause was considered Swan-Ganz catheter injury. The patient was carefully observed because there was no evidence of bronchial hemorrhage. The perforation was closed and the cavity plicated under extracorporeal circulation to avoid delayed rupture of the pseudoaneurysm when she underwent a third mitral valve replacement.     

医源性肾动脉损伤性出血的介入诊疗

目的探讨超选择性动脉造影与栓塞治疗医源性肾动脉损伤性出血的临床价值。方法对11例肾穿刺活检或经皮肾镜取石术后大量肉眼血尿患者实施超选择性肾动脉造影与栓塞术,栓塞材料采用明胶海绵与弹簧圈。结果 11例中,假性动脉瘤2例,动-静脉瘘2例,假性动脉瘤合并动静脉瘘5例,动脉-肾盏瘘2例;损伤血管为肾脏后段、下段动脉及其叶间动脉分支,单支血管损伤10例,多支血管损伤1例。单纯采用明胶海绵栓塞4例,单纯采用弹簧圈栓塞4例,二者联合栓塞3例,其中1例为明胶海绵栓塞24h后复发尿血改用弹簧圈栓塞。栓塞后10min造影示出血征象消失,1~3天后患者血尿逐渐消失,未发生严重并发症。结论动静脉瘘为医源性肾动脉损伤的主要表现,以单发病变多见;超选择性动肾脉造影可迅速明确诊断,超选择性肾动脉栓塞微创、安全、有效,应作为治疗医源性肾动脉损伤性出血的首选方法。     

Transcatheter arterial embolization of splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms: short- and long-term results

We evaluated outcomes of endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. From April 2002 to May 2007, 17 patients (mean age 55.2 years, range 17-82) with splenic artery aneurysms (n = 7) or pseudoaneurysms (n = 10) underwent endovascular treatment. Six patients were asymptomatic, three had symptomatic nonruptured aneurysms, and eight had ruptured aneurysms. Lesions were in the proximal splenic artery (n = 5), intermediate splenic artery (n = 3), splenic hilum (n = 6), or parenchyma (n = 3). Embolization was with microcoils by sac packing (n = 8), sandwich occlusion of the main splenic artery (n = 4), or cyanoacrylate glue into the feeding artery (n = 4). Computed angiotomography was done within the first month and magnetic resonance angiography after 6 and 12 months, then yearly. Mean follow-up was 29 months (range 1-62). Exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 16 (94.1%) patients. One patient with an intraparenchymal pseudoaneurysm underwent splenectomy after failed distal catheterization. No major complications occurred. Postembolization syndrome developed in four patients, who had radiographic evidence of splenic microinfarcts. Transcatheter embolization of splenic artery aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms is safe and effective and may induce less morbidity than open surgery, in particular by preserving the spleen. Coil artifacts may make magnetic resonance angiography preferable over computed tomography for follow-up.     

腹部手术后腹腔干分支假性动脉瘤消化道瘘的临床分析：附5例分析

目的:总结分析腹部手术后腹腔干分支假性动脉瘤消化道瘘导致的迟发性消化道大出血的诊断和治疗。方法:回顾性分析自2013年1月—2014年9月腹部肿瘤术后上消化道大出血经造影证实腹腔干分支假性动脉瘤消化道瘘的5例患者的临床资料。结果:5例患者消化道出血时间平均为术后53.6 d;假性动脉瘤位于脾动脉2例,位于肝总动脉2例,位于左肝动脉1例;造影后行栓塞治疗4例,行覆膜支架置入1例。无术后严重并发症及围手术死亡病例。随访时间6~16个月,无再次假性动脉瘤破裂出血,肝总动脉覆膜支架置入患者于8个月猝死,原因未明。结论:腹腔干分支假性动脉瘤消化道瘘是腹部手术后罕见而又致命的并发症,应提高该病的认识,其诊断及治疗首选动脉造影及血管腔内治疗,避免医源性损伤可能是减少该病发生的关键。     

Pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery with an arteriovenous fistula after simultaneous kidney–pancreas transplantation

Vascular complications remain a significant source of morbidity after pancreatic transplantation. We describe a pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) involving the SMA and the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) discovered and treated surgically in the second week after kidney pancreas transplantation. The patient experienced pain over the graft, and subsequent radionuclide and Doppler ultrasound scan were suggestive of a pseudoaneurysm in the head of the pancreas. Awaiting confirmatory angiography, the patient became hypotensive and after resuscitation, underwent emergency surgery when a pseudoaneurysm was found in the head of the pancreas. After looping the proximal and distal recipient iliac artery and base of the donor Y vascular graft, the AVF was separated and ligated. The SMV was dissected off the pancreatic head and repaired over a tamponading intraluminal Foley catheter. Graft function was preserved. Based on this experience, an AVF with or without a pseudoaneurysm in the pancreas allograft should be corrected as soon it is suspected.     

Popliteal traumatic arteriovenous fistula

Popliteal trauma requires particular attention because blood vessel injuries in that zone might cause serious complications. Popliteal traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) should be considered for serious leg amputation, and long-standing fistulae produce cardiac overload. The diagnosis is usually made after clinical examination, finding palpable thrill and audible bruit over the injury site, and is confirmed after duplex ultrasonography and/or angiography. We present a case of popliteal traumatic arteriovenous fistula with false aneurysm (pseudoaneurysm) (PSA), in which duplex ultrasonography and angiography findings proved inconsistent with the findings at surgery, thus resulting in an unnecessary extensive dissection of a major artery and vein, whereas the fistula and the PSA were found in minor vessels (genicular artery and vein).     

Splenic infarction – A rare cause of acute abdominal pain following gastric surgery: A case series

IntroductionThe dissection of splenic hilar lymph nodes in gastric cancer surgery is indispensable for treating gastric cancers located in the proximal third of the stomach. Splenic vascular injury is a matter of debate resulting on time or delayed splenectomy. We aimed to share our experience and plausible mechanisms causing this complication in two case reports.Case presentationsTwo male patients with gastric cancer were diagnosed with acute splenic infarction following gastric surgery in the early postoperative period. Both underwent emergent exploratory laparotomy. Splenectomy was performed due to splenic infarction.DiscussionBecause we observed this rare complication in recent patients whose surgery was performed using vessel-sealing device for splenic hilar dissection, we suggested that extensive mobilization of the surrounding tissues of splenic vascular structures hilum using the vessel sealer could be the reason.ConclusionIn case of acute abdominal pain radiating to left shoulder, splenic complications should be taken into consideration in gastric cancer patients performed radical gastrectomy. Meticulous dissection of splenic hilar lymph nodes should be carried out to avoid any splenic vascular injury.     

脾动脉瘤7例诊治分析

目的：探讨脾动脉瘤的诊断和手术治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析7 例脾动脉瘤患者的临床资料。结果：6例经彩色多普勒超声（B超）初步诊断;4例经CT动脉造影（CTA）,2例经数字减影血管造影术（DSA）,1例经磁共振造影（MRA）确诊;无1例依靠临床症状而确诊。单纯脾动脉瘤切除术1例,脾动脉瘤加脾脏切除术1例,脾动脉瘤切除加动脉重建术1例,动脉瘤近远端脾动脉结扎术1例,脾动脉瘤栓塞术2例,脾动脉瘤栓塞术加脾切除术1例。随访2个月至3年。无死亡及严重并发症病例。结论：脾动脉瘤依赖临床表现难以诊断,B超有筛选价值,CTA,MRA,DSA均有诊断价值。一旦确诊应尽早选择腔内介入栓塞治疗或手术方法。     

Nonsurgical management of blunt splenic injury: is it cost effective?

Background

This study analyzed outcomes and cost of splenic embolization compared with surgery for the management of blunt splenic injury.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted with isolated, blunt splenic injury. An intent-to-treat analysis was initially conducted. Outcomes and cost/charges were compared in patients treated with embolization and surgical treatment.

Results

Of 236 patients admitted with isolated, blunt splenic injury, 190 patients were ultimately managed by observation, 31 by splenic embolization, and 15 by surgical management. Comparing outcomes and cost data for splenic embolization versus surgical management, there was no significant difference in intensive care unit use, hospital stay, complications, or re-admission. Surgical management patients required more blood transfusions and incurred higher procedure charges. Conversely, splenic embolization patients underwent more radiologic evaluations and charges. Total procedure-related charges were higher for surgical management when compared with splenic embolization ($28,709 vs $19,062; P = .016), but total hospital cost and total hospital charges were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Nonsurgical treatment of blunt splenic injury is safe and cost effective. Angioembolization was statistically similar to surgical therapy regarding cost.     

Pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery fistulized in the stomach and associated to a pancreatic pseudocyst: case report

A case of pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery fistulized in the stomach and associated to a pancreatic pseudocyst is presented. A diabetic and alcoholist 40-year-old man was referred for gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophagogastro-duodenoscopy showed a tumefaction of the little gastric curve and a gastric bleeding fistula. A computed tomography demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery fistulized in the stomach and associated to pancreatic pseudocyst. Marsupialization of the pancreatic pseudocyst, ligature of the splenic artery, splenectomy and closure of the gastric bleeding fistula were performed. There were no postoperative complications and the follow-up showed no other complications. Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the splenic artery are very frequent, generally asymptomatic (70% of the cases) and in half of the cases they are occasionally diagnosticated. The bleeding of pseudoaneurysm for rupture or fistulization is a very rare and serious complication associated to a high percentage of mortality.     

A rare complication of radial artery catheterization

An arterial pseudoaneurysm is a cavity which does not consist of three layers of arterial wall and is generally seen at femoral and radial artery sites due to bone fractures, arterial injuries and iatrogenic reasons such as catheterization. The treatment choice may be either surgical or conservative. Patients with pseudoaneurysm should be carefully followed and the treatment choice should be immediately decided to avoid possible complications. We report a case of pseudoaneurysm formation in the radial artery that occurred one week after arterial catheterization for coronary angiography. The treatment choice for this patient was surgical and he was discharged without any complications.     

Time to intervention in patients with splenic injury in a Dutch level 1 trauma centre

Background

Timely intervention in patients with splenic injury is essential, since delay to treatment is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Transcatheter Arterial Embolisation (TAE) is increasingly used as an adjunct to non-operative management. The aim of this study was to report time intervals between admission to the trauma room and start of intervention (TAE or splenic surgery) in patients with splenic injury.

Methods

Consecutive patients with splenic injury aged ≥16 years admitted between January 2006 and January 2012 were included. Data were reported according to haemodynamic status (stable versus unstable). In haemodynamically (HD) unstable patients, transfusion requirement, intervention-related complications and the need for a re-intervention were compared between the TAE and splenic surgery group.

Results

The cohort consisted of 96 adults of whom 16 were HD unstable on admission. In HD stable patients, median time to intervention was 105 (IQR 77–188) min: 117 (IQR 78–233) min for TAE compared to 95 (IQR 69–188) for splenic surgery (p = 0.58). In HD unstable patients, median time to intervention was 58 (IQR 41–99) min: 46 (IQR 27–107) min for TAE compared to 64 (IQR 45–80) min for splenic surgery (p = 0.76). The median number of transfused packed red blood cells was 8 (3–22) in HD unstable patients treated with TAE versus 24 (9–55) in the surgery group (p = 0.09). No intervention-related complications occurred in the TAE group and one in the splenic surgery group (p = 0.88). Two spleen related re-interventions were performed in the TAE group versus 3 in the splenic surgery group (p = 0.73).

Conclusions

Time to intervention did not differ significantly between HD unstable patients treated with TAE and patients treated with splenic surgery. Although no difference was observed with regard to intervention-related complications and the need for a re-intervention, a trend towards lower transfusion requirement was observed in patients treated with TAE compared to patients treated with splenic surgery. We conclude that if 24/7 interventional radiology facilities are available, TAE is not associated with time loss compared to splenic surgery, even in HD unstable patients.