Pancreatic and peripancreatic vessels: embolization for control of bleeding in pancreatitis
Vujic, I.; Andersen, B.L.; Stanley, J.H.; Gobien, R.P.
Radiology 150(1): 51-55
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-8419
PMID: 6689787
DOI: 10.1148/radiology.150.1.6689787
Accession: 043874903
Bleeding associated with pancreatitis has a high mortality rate. Angiographic demonstration of uncontrollable bleeding or large pseudoaneurysms is an indication for emergency surgery. We have encountered a group of patients with obvious clinical gastrointestinal hemorrhage out of proportion to angiographic findings. Vessel abnormalities included areas of encasement, small pseudoaneurysms, and occasional extravasation without a clearly defined source. With the high risk of mortality in such patients, embolization is a viable method of therapy. Three patients are described who had different angiographic presentations and in whom hemorrhage was safely controlled with embolic therapy using nonpermanent occlusive materials.