Upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to an eroded gastrosplenic collateral lately after splenic artery embolization

Abstract

Background Upper gastrointestinal, non-variceal haemorrhage can be related to various etiologies, including peptic ulcer, neoplasm, gastritis, Dieulafoy lesions and other, rare underlying diseases. Here, we describe another, yet unreported etiology of gastric bleeding. Case presentation A 49-year-old man presented with melena; gastroscopy revealed blood in the stomach without active bleeding source. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated a cluster of enlarged gastrosplenic arterial collaterals in the gastric wall and coils in the splenic artery, related to an embolization procedure 30-years ago for splenic trauma. Definitive treatment included catheter-directed glue embolization of the left gastric artery and the enlarged gastrosplenic collaterals. The postinterventional course was uneventful and no recurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was noted after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions Upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with eroded gastrosplenic collaterals, related to previous splenic artery embolization, can be successfully treated with glue-embolization.