Aneurysmal rupture of the pancreaticoduodenal artery successfully treated by transcatheter arterial embolization

We report a case of aneurysmal rupture of the pancreaticoduodenal artery successfully treated by transcatheter arterial embolization. A 61-year-old man with a history of hypertension underwent surgery at our hospital in November 1995 for local peritonitis caused by perforation of the sigmoid colon secondary to cancer. On the 9th postoperative day, he developed shock, with complaints of epigastric and back pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed an enhanced mass, thought to be a peripancreatic aneurysm. Emergency angiography demonstrated an aneurysm arising from the arcade of the anterior pancreaticoduodenal artery. After diagnostic angiography, transcatheter arterial embolization was performed. With steel coils, the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery and anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery were embolized near the origin of the aneurysm. Angiography 7 weeks later revealed no recanalization of the aneurysm and the absence of anomalous collateral vessels. The patient has been well for 19 months without re-bleeding or recurrence of sigmoid colon cancer. Transcatheter arterial embolization is an effective therapeutic approach for aneurysm of the pancreaticoduodenal artery and is the preferred initial treatment.     

Successful transcatheter arterial embolization of an inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm associated with celiac axis stenosis

A case of inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) aneurysm associated with celiac axis stenosis was successfully treated using only transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). A 57-year-old woman was urgently referred to our hospital with sudden abdominal pain; computed tomography revealed retroperitoneal hematoma due to bleeding from an aneurysm around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Selective angiography into the SMA showed an aneurysm derived from the IPDA posterior branch; the IPDA anterior branch was intact and contrast medium flowed into the common hepatic artery territory through the pancreatic arcade because of celiac axis stenosis. We subsequently performed TAE on the lesion. Arteriography after TAE showed that the aneurysm had disappeared and that the IPDA anterior branch was intact. She had no aneurysm recurrence for about two years after the treatment. We believe that TAE is effective even for a PDA aneurysm with celiac axis stenosis or occlusion. However, it is important to perform embolization precisely and over a long period.     

Blood supply to the duodenal papilla and the communicating artery between the anterior and posterior pancreaticoduodenal arterial arcades

The communicating artery (ComA) between the anterior and posterior pancreaticoduodenal arterial arcades is little understood, although it has been described several times during the past 100 years. In 44 of 51 cadaveric specimens in the present study, the typical ComA was observed to pass between the major and accessory pancreatic ducts. In addition, a second ComA was sometimes found crossing inferior to the major pancreatic duct. The typical ComAs often (36 of the 44) issued papillary branch(es). Although direct papillary branches of the posterior arcade were often observed to either coexist with (9 specimens) or exist independly (4 specimens), the ComA-derived branch seemed to be critical for papillary blood supply, because of its shorter length, greater thickness, and higher frequency. Moreover, the typical ComA could be a good landmark during limited pancreatic resection, such as duodenum-preserving subtotal resection of the pancreatic head or pancreatic segment resection, because the artery is likely to be an indicator of the borders between the celiac and superior mesenteric arterial territories, as well as those between the ventral and dorsal segments of the pancreas.     

Ruptured aneurysm of a posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery associated with duodenal stenosis after transcatheter arterial embolization

We describe a 72-year-old man admitted to hospital as an emergency case of epigastric abdominal pain. CT scan visualized massive hemorrhage around the pancreatic head. Computed tomographic angiography showed stenosis at the origin of the celiac artery and a 10 mm aneurysm of the posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (PIPDA). An emergency angiogram revealed a long aneurysm in the PIPDA. The aneurysm had irregular width and was 75 mm in length. A gastroduodenal artery and the PIPDA were supplied from the superior mesenteric artery. A transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed. We reviewed 45 cases of pancreaticoduodenal aneurysms after 2000 and cases of the pancreaticoduodenal false aneurysms after 1972. As a result, we inferred that this case without pancreatitis or pancreas surgery was a true aneurysm made by the bloodstream changes caused by the celiac artery stenosis.     

Celiac artery stenting: a new strategy for patients with pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm associated with stenosis of the celiac artery

We report a new strategy—celiac artery stenting—to relieve stenosis of the celiac arterial root. This was performed in two patients with pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysm associated with a stenotic celiac arterial root. The first patient was a 66-year-old man complaining of abrupt onset of upper abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a huge retroperitoneal hematoma behind the duodenum, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) angiography demonstrated an aneurysm arising from inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and celiac arteriography showed a stenotic celiac arterial root. Transcatheter embolization of the aneurysm was tried, but failed. Because of his unstable hemodynamics, emergent laparotomy with resection of the aneurysm was performed. Fourteen days after the operation, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with celiac arterial stenting was done. The patient was discharged 2 days later, and has had no further bleeding episode for 3 years. The second patient was a 46-year-old woman, who also complained of acute upper abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography disclosed a huge retroperitoneal hematoma, and selective SMA angiography demonstrated an aneurysm arising from the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, and celiac arteriography showed a stenotic celiac arterial root. Because angiography showed no active bleeding from the aneurysm, percutaneous transluminal angioplastic stenting of the stenotic celiac artery was performed. She was discharged 5 days later and has had no further bleeding episode for 2 years. Celiac arterial stenting, as shown in our two patients, could be easily and safely employed in patients with PDA aneurysm associated with a stenotic celiac arterial root to release the stenosis of the celiac arterial root and to prevent further possible bleeding.     

Crohn's disease with life-threatening hemorrhage from terminal ileum: successful control by superselective arterial embolization

A case of life-threatening lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage from Crohn's disease is reported. Several promising studies have recently been published that describe superselective embolization for the treatment of massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with bleeding colonic diverticular disease and angiodysplasia, and success rates of 74%–93% have been reported. But in patients with Crohn's disease, successful superselective embolization has rarely been reported. This is a report of successful superselective embolization in a patient with Crohn's disease; this should be the initial treatment of choice in Crohn's disease in an attempt to avoid surgical resection, because repeated resections predispose patients to the development of short-bowel syndrome.     

Coronary artery fistula with a giant aneurysm treated by percutaneous transradial embolization

Coronary artery fistulas are rare anomalies that are very rarely accompanied by an aneurysm. The minimally invasive method of percutaneous transradial embolization, using a thin guiding catheter, was used to treat a coronary artery fistula with an associated giant aneurysm. This technique, not previously described for this type of application, is presented as a case report. The successful outcome of this procedure demonstrated that transradial coronary interventions are useful for treating coronary artery fistulas with an associated giant aneurysm, especially in patients at high risk for conventional surgery or transfemoral interventions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Retroperitoneal haematoma due to ruptured microaneurysm of the pancreaticoduodenal artery

A case of retroperitoneal haematoma due to a ruptured microaneurysm of the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery in a 61 year old man is described. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed cystic masses near the gall-bladder. Selective coeliac angiography disclosed a microaneurysm of the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. Surgical extirpation of the cystic masses was performed, and the histological finding was an encapsulated old haematoma.     

Transcatheter arterial embolization for hemorrhage caused by injury of the hepatic artery

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to compare (i) the effects of transcatheter arterial embolization on initial hemostasis and the control of rebleeding in the treatment of hemorrhage due to hepatic artery injury; and (ii) the outcomes of embolization by different locations. METHODS: Subjects were 32 patients with suspected hepatic artery injury who were transferred to Chi-Mei Foundation Medical Center for hepatic angiography and embolization. The causes of arterial injury included liver trauma (n = 15) and iatrogenic injury (n = 17). The sites of embolization were classified into four groups: group 1 (n = 8) was classified as 'combined outlet, target and inlet control' with embolization of the vascular lesion (target) and hepatic artery distal (outlet) and proximal (inlet) to the vascular lesion simultaneously; group 2 (n = 11) as 'combined target and inlet control'; group 3 (n = 8) as 'combined outlet and inlet control'; group 4 (n = 5) as 'inlet control' only. RESULTS: Successful initial hemostasis was achieved in 30 of the 32 patients (93.8%), with two failures, both of which were caused by liver injury and occurred in subjects in group 4. Rebleeding was seen in three patients who had successful initial hemostasis: two of them in group 4 (66.7%) and one in group 1 (12.5%). All rebleedings were successfully managed by repeat embolization. Abscess formation was found in two group 1 patients, and both were successfully managed by percutaneous drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter arterial embolization is an effective method for hemostasis in hepatic artery hemorrhage for both patients with liver trauma and patients with iatrogenic injuries to the hepatic artery. Based on this experience, embolization of the vascular lesion and/or the arterial lumen distal to the vascular lesion combined with inlet control is recommended for preventing recurrent hemorrhage, but studies with larger sample sizes will be required to validate this conclusion.     

Ruptured inferior gluteal artery aneurysm with exsanguinating rectal hemorrhage controlled by transcatheter coil embolization

A case of exsanguinating rectal and retroperitoneal hemorrhage resulting from a ruptured inferior gluteal artery aneurysm is presented. Transcatheter embolization of Gelfoam^® and a Gianturco coil device resulted in the control of bleeding and proved to be a life-saving measure in a patient who was a poor surgical candidate.     

Renal artery aneurysm treatment with coil embolization.

Renal artery aneurysm is a rare condition, but its incidence has increased through discovery because of improved imaging techniques. However, a therapeutic approach for renal artery aneurysm has not been established. We report the case of a 58-year-old female who had developed hypertension at 52 years of age and was under oral medication for this condition. In a medical check-up, a right renal artery aneurysm of 10 mm in diameter was detected by computed tomography (CT). Renal function was normal and there were no abnormalities in urinalysis; therefore, the patient was observed as an outpatient. Abdominal CT performed 9 months later revealed a saccular renal artery aneurysm of 15 mm in diameter with partial wall calcification and mild mural thrombus. Selective right renal arteriography detected a tumor with calcification, but no renal arterial stenosis or renal arteriovenous fistula. Since the aneurysm had enlarged, catheter treatment was selected to reduce the risk of rupture. A 6-Fr guide catheter was inserted into the right renal artery and the tip of a microcoil catheter was advanced into the aneurysm, which was then embolized with 12 microcoils. The absence of the aneurysm was confirmed using right renal arteriography. No complications occurred during or after embolization, and selective right renal arteriography performed 3 months later showed no change in the coil position or blood flow in the aneurysm, suggesting a good postoperative course. Our results suggest that this approach may generally be applicable for renal artery aneurysms, depending on the shape, size, and location of the aneurysm.     

Splenic arteriovenous fistula and sudden onset of portal hypertension as complications of a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm： Successful treatment with transcatheter arterial embolization. A case study and review of the literature

Splenic arteriovenous fistula (SAVF) accounts for an unusual but well-documented treatable cause of portal hypertension. A case of a 50-year-old multiparous female who developed suddenly portal hypertension due to SAVF formation is presented. The patient suffered from repeated episodes of haematemesis and melaena during the past twelve days and thus was emergently admitted to hospital for management. Clinical and laboratory investigations established the diagnosis of portal hypertension in the absence of liver parenchymal disease. Endoscopy revealed multiple esophageal bleeding varices. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and transfemoral celiac arteriography documented the presence of a tortuous and aneurysmatic splenic artery and premature filling of an enlarged splenic vein, findings highly suggestive of an SAVF. The aforementioned vascular abnormality was successfully treated with percutaneous transcatheter embolization. Neither recurrence nor other complications were observed.     

Volumetric computed tomography analysis for gastroduodenal and pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm formation: A retrospective single-center study

Gastroduodenal artery aneurysms (GDAA) and pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAA) are rare, have high rupture risks, and are located in the arcade between the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery. Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms are associated with celiac artery stenosis, and it is hypothesized that these celiac lesions might contribute to the formation of aneurysms. In contrast, a few studies have reported an association between a gastroduodenal artery aneurysm and celiac lesions. This study aimed to investigate the potential differences between patients with gastroduodenal and pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms and better understand their pathogenesis.We selected patients with GDAA and PDAA who were admitted to our department between January 2010 and December 2020. Aortic wall volume, aortic wall calcification, and pancreaticoduodenal arcade volume of computed tomography images were calculated semi-manually using Horos 3.3.5.Eight GDAAs and 11 PDAAs were analyzed. Celiac lesions were found in all PDAA patients, with none in GDAA cases. Volumetry demonstrated that aortic wall volume and calcification were more prominent in the GDAA group than in the PDAA group (P = .026 and P = .049, respectively). The pancreaticoduodenal arcade volume was larger in the PDAA group (P = .002).In our study, celiac artery lesions were strongly correlated with PDAA. The volume of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade was larger in the PDAA group, and aortic wall volume and calcification were larger in the GDAA group.     

Coil embolization of asymptomatic left gastric artery aneurysm: Case report and literature review

Patients with visceral artery aneurysms are rare, and the reported incidence of left gastric aneurysm (LGA) is only 4%. At present, although there is little knowledge about such disease, it is generally believed that appropriate treatment should be planned to prevent some dangerous aneurysms from rupturing. We introduced a case of 83-year-old patient with LGA who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair. The 6-month follow-up computed tomography angiography showed complete thrombosis in the aneurysm lumen. In addition, to insight the management strategy on LGAs deeply, a literature review concerning this entity published in recent 35 years was performed.     

Pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery with hemobilia treated by arterial embolization and elective cholecystectomy

Pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery is a rare cause of hemobilia, with only 11 cases having been reported in the English literature. We report this unusual condition in a 62‐year‐old Japanese man whose chief complaint was repeated upper abdominal pain. A liver function test showed obstructive jaundice, and endoscopy revealed a small amount of blood coming from the papilla of Vater. We diagnosed him as having hemobilia, and immediate angiography was performed. The results demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm arising in the cystic artery. Selective embolization of the cystic artery then followed. Ten days later the patient underwent elective cholecystectomy and had a good postoperative course. Microscopically, the resected specimen revealed caliculous cholecystitis and an organized pseudoaneurysm perforating the lumen of the gallbladder. We supposed that this pseudoaneurysm was associated with the inflammatory reaction seen with the acute cholecystitis. This case emphasizes the need for a high level of awareness of hemobilia whenever bleeding is associated with signs of biliary disorders. Immediate angiography and embolization of the pseudoaneurysm followed by radical surgery may be the preferred strategy. We believe this is the first reported case of successful “two‐step” treatment of such a pseudoaneurysm.     

Hemorrhage from abdominal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated successfully by emergency transcatheter arterial embolization

A 49-year-old Japanese woman with follicular lymphoma who presented with severe abdominal and back pain is reported. She was known to have malignant lymphoma and had been previously treated with combination chemotherapy. An abdominal tumor occurring at the root of the mesentery and involving the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) had been diagnosed by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and abdominal angiography. Emergent ultrasonography and CT findings showed intraperitoneal bleeding from the abdominal tumor. Selective SMA angiography revealed extravasation from a small branch originating from the dorsal pancreatic artery, which was embolized through a catheter by using platinum coils. It should be noted that a large tumor of malignant lymphoma, involving large vessels, may bleed, and in such a case selective transcatheter arterial embolization may be one of the effective modalities for hemostasis. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.