Massive Haematochezia due to Splenic Artery Bleeding into the Colon: Unusual Manifestation of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

We describe a case of an uncommon early pancreatic cancer presentation in a patient in his 60s who had haemorrhagic shock from extensive haematochezia and required blood transfusions as well as surveillance in an intensive care unit. A splenic artery pseudoaneurysm that had been effectively embolized by angiography was seen to be actively bleeding into the colon lumen on a computerized tomography (CT) scan along with a necrotic mass of the pancreatic tail. A pancreatic mucinous adenocarcinoma was diagnosed by a transgastric biopsy. A pancreatico-colic fistula was discovered by CT scan after a colic contrast enema. A transabdominal drainage of the necrotic collection and targeted antibiotic treatment had been performed with a satisfying patient outcome. In order to assess a potential secondary surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy was planned. In conclusion, haematochezia with hemodynamic instability originated from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm fistulising into the colon (arterio-colic fistula) and sepsis originating from a tumoral pancreatic abscess fistulising into the colon (tumoral pancreatico-colic fistula).

Spontaneous rupture of a mycotic splenic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to histoplasmosis: a case report

“…Pseudoaneurysms form because of injury to the vessel wall allowing blood to flow extraluminally which is contained by surrounding tissue [ 15 ]. Injury resulting in splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAP) formation are most commonly associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis, as well as abdominal trauma, gastric ulceration, pancreatic and gastric cancers, and infection [ 1 – 5 , 8 , 16 – 18 ]. When secondary to infection, they are termed mycotic pseudoaneurysms.…”