Embolisation in the management of peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm--a case report

Peripancreatic pseudoaneurysms are an unusual cause of haemorrhage in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pseudocysts. We describe a 28 year old alcoholic male with documented chronic pancreatic pseudocysts, who presented with melaena and a large pulsatile epigastric mass. Ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery. This was successfully embolised with stainless steel coils. Surgical intervention in such cases is associated with high mortality, and the role of embolisation as an initial therapy is well established. The role of embolisation as definitive therapy is less clear.