Pseudo to pseudo connection: pseudoaneurysm draining into the pseudocyst causing pseudohaemobillia

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding can arise from diverse sources, and identifying the exact cause is critical for effective treatment. While common causes include diverticulosis and angiodysplasia, rare conditions like haemosuccus pancreaticus remain under-recognized. This condition involves a pseudoaneurysm rupturing into a pancreatic pseudocyst, allowing blood to enter the GI tract through the pancreatic duct. Prior research has shown that alcohol abuse and pancreatitis are risk factors for pseudocysts. However, the mechanism linking pseudoaneurysms to pseudocysts is not well-documented. That uncertainty drove the need for case reports to clarify this rare condition. No prior work had resolved the exact pathophysiology of haemosuccus pancreaticus. This gap motivated the current case report. Understanding the vascular anatomy of the pancreas is essential for diagnosing such cases. The rarity of this condition makes it challenging to study in larger populations.

This case report aimed to describe a rare instance of haemosuccus pancreaticus in a 65-year-old woman with a history of alcohol abuse. The goal was to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this condition. The patient presented with melena, a symptom that can stem from various GI sources. The case sought to clarify how a pseudoaneurysm can connect to a pseudocyst and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. The authors wanted to emphasize the importance of imaging in identifying such rare vascular anomalies. They also aimed to demonstrate the role of interventional radiology in managing the condition. The study focused on the clinical presentation and the imaging findings that led to the diagnosis. The report aimed to raise awareness among clinicians about this uncommon but treatable cause of lower GI bleeding.

The patient underwent a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate the source of the bleeding. The imaging revealed a peripancreatic vascular pseudoaneurysm with active hemorrhage. Based on these findings, the medical team proceeded with angiography to confirm the diagnosis. Angiography is a key diagnostic tool for identifying vascular abnormalities in the pancreas. The procedure also allowed for immediate intervention. Transcatheter embolization was performed to treat the pseudoaneurysm. This minimally invasive technique is commonly used in interventional radiology for such cases. The success of the procedure was evaluated based on the cessation of bleeding and clinical improvement. The case was documented to provide a reference for future similar presentations.

The CT scan identified a pseudoaneurysm in the peripancreatic region with active bleeding. Angiography confirmed the presence of haemosuccus pancreaticus. Transcatheter embolization was successfully performed to treat the pseudoaneurysm. The patient’s melena resolved following the procedure. The intervention prevented further hemorrhage and improved the patient’s condition. The case demonstrated the effectiveness of interventional radiology in managing this rare condition. The imaging findings were critical in guiding the treatment approach. The successful outcome highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention in such cases.

The case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of haemosuccus pancreaticus. The authors suggest that imaging plays a crucial role in identifying the condition. They propose that interventional radiology is a viable treatment option. The success of transcatheter embolization supports its use in similar cases. The patient’s clinical improvement following the procedure reinforces the effectiveness of the intervention. The case underscores the need for a high index of suspicion in patients with a history of pancreatitis and alcohol abuse. The findings may help clinicians recognize this rare condition in the future. The authors suggest that further case reports are necessary to expand the understanding of this condition.