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Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm in an Infant With Pancreatitis
Nawal M Alrubia1, Nouryah A Alhafez2
1Pediatric Gastroenterology, Maternity and Children's Hospital, Dammam, SAU.
Insights
A rare case of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) in an infant with acute pancreatitis highlights the need for early imaging. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent life-threatening rupture.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, including vascular pseudoaneurysms.
- Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) is a rare but critical complication, especially in infants.
Observation:
- A two-month-old infant with a family history of pancreatitis developed worsening symptoms.
- Imaging revealed a pancreatic pseudocyst (PCC) and an atypical pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery.
Findings:
- Selective angiography confirmed the hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm.
- The pseudoaneurysm was successfully managed with embolization.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rarity of HAP secondary to pancreatitis in infants.
- Highlights the importance of thorough imaging for arterial involvement and prompt intervention to prevent rupture.
Abstract:
Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) is an uncommon yet critical complication of acute pancreatitis. This case delves into the unusual scenario of a two-month-old male infant with a familial history of pancreatitis who develops the condition himself. Despite initial treatment, the infant's symptoms worsened, unveiling a pancreatic pseudocyst (PCC) and an atypical pseudoaneurysm stemming from the hepatic artery, a rare complication in acute pancreatitis. The pseudoaneurysm's confirmation through selective angiography and its subsequent management using embolization is highlighted. This report emphasizes the rarity of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm in the context of acute pancreatitis, stressing the need for thorough imaging to spot arterial involvement. Early identification via selective angiography remains crucial due to the high risks associated with pseudoaneurysm rupture, underscoring the urgency for prompt intervention. In summary, this case spotlights the infrequent occurrence of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to acute pancreatitis in an infant. It stresses the importance of swift recognition and intervention to avert potentially life-threatening complications.
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