Transcatheter arterial embolization followed by surgical laparotomy for hemorrhagic shock due to intestinal bleeding: a case report

Acquired jejunal diverticula are relatively rare conditions. While mostly asymptomatic, they can occasionally cause life-threatening complications requiring surgical treatment. We herein report a case of hemorrhagic shock due to jejunal diverticulum with intestinal amyloidosis that was successfully managed via transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and surgery.

An 80-year-old female presenting with hematochezia and hemorrhagic shock was transferred to our institution. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed extravasation in the small bowel around the upper jejunum. Massive transfusion was performed with subsequently planning for TAE to control bleeding followed by surgical laparotomy to evaluate the ischemic intestine. First, the second jejunal artery was selectively embolized with a 1:3 mixture of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and iodize oil, after which laparotomy was performed. Multiple jejunal diverticula were detected near Treitz' ligament, and an induration of NBCA was palpable in the nearby mesentery. The intraoperative diagnosis was massive bleeding from acquired jejunal diverticula for which jejunectomy including the nearby diverticulum was performed to prevent future bleeding. Her postoperative course was stable. Histological examination of the specimen revealed several false diverticula with intestinal amyloidosis.

Hemorrhagic shock due to jejunal diverticulum with intestinal amyloidosis is extremely rare. Combined treatment of TAE and surgical laparotomy appears to be effective, because the bleeding point can be identified by palpation of the embolic material.