Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2025

Arterial Pouch Microsurgical Bifurcation Aneurysm Model in the Rabbit
Published on: May 14, 2020
Gastrointestinal bleeding due to pseudoaneurysms in children
Jayendra Seetharaman1, Rajanikant R Yadav2, Anshu Srivastava3
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareily Road, Lucknow, 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Insights
Pediatric visceral artery pseudoaneurysms, often caused by liver abscess, trauma, or pancreatitis, present with gastrointestinal bleeding and are best diagnosed with computed tomography angiography. Radiological embolization is a safe and highly successful treatment for these cases in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Interventional Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Radiological embolization is the standard treatment for adults, but pediatric data is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes, clinical presentation, and outcomes of radiological intervention for pseudoaneurysms in pediatric celiac artery (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branches.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of electronic records for children with PSA of CA or SMA branches.
- Data collected included clinical/laboratory profiles, radiological interventions, and outcomes.
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was used for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Eleven children (7-17 years) with PSA were studied.
- Common etiologies included liver abscess (4), abdominal trauma (3), and pancreatitis (3).
- CTA identified all PSAs, while Doppler ultrasound was less sensitive.
- Radiological embolization (coil, glue) was performed in 9 patients with 100% success and no complications.
- Follow-up showed 9 intervened patients were asymptomatic.
Conclusions:
- Liver abscess, trauma, and pancreatitis are key causes of pediatric CA and SMA branch PSAs.
- CTA is highly sensitive for diagnosing these pediatric pseudoaneurysms.
- Minimally invasive radiological angio-embolization is a safe and effective treatment for children.
Abstract:
Radiological embolization is the treatment of choice in adults with visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) and gastrointestinal bleeding, but pediatric data is scanty. We analyzed the etiology, clinical presentation, and outcome of radiological intervention in children with PSA of celiac (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branches. Electronic records of children with PSA of CA or SMA branches were reviewed and data on clinical and laboratory profile, radiological intervention, and outcome was recorded. Eleven children with PSA (5 boys, 11 [7-17] years) were studied. Etiology was liver abscess (n 4), abdominal trauma (n 3), pancreatitis (n 3), and indeterminate in 1 case. Ten (91%) patients were symptomatic: abdominal pain (10, 91%), hematemesis/melena (9, 81%), and Quincke's triad (1, 9%). One child with pancreatic pseudocyst was diagnosed incidentally on imaging. Doppler ultrasound identified PSA only in 3 cases, while computed tomography angiography (CTA) picked all cases. Children with liver abscess, trauma, and unknown etiology had PSA from CA (right hepatic artery 7, left hepatic artery 1). Of the 3 pancreatitis cases, 2 had PSA from SMA (inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery and ileal branch) and 1 from CA (left gastric artery). Radiological embolization was done in 9 (81%) cases (coil 6, glue 2, both 1), without any complications or failure. One case resolved spontaneously and 1 died pre-intervention. Nine intervened cases were asymptomatic in follow-up [6 (1-24) months].Conclusion: Liver abscess, trauma, and pancreatitis are causes of PSA of CA and SMA branches in children. A majority present with gastrointestinal bleeding and are identified on CTA. Radiological embolization was safe with 100% success. What is Known: • Pseudoaneurysm of visceral artery is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. • Endoluminal intervention is an established and efficacious treatment modality in adults and preferred over surgery. What is New: • Liver abscess, abdominal trauma and pancreatitis are common causes of celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery branch pseudoaneurysm in children and computed tomography angiography has high sensitivity in identifying these pseudoaneurysms. • Minimally invasive radiological angio-embolization, in the hands of trained radiologists, is a safe and successful modality of treatment in children.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

