Successful management of a ruptured cystic artery pseudoaneurysm with embolization and cholecystectomy: A case report

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare phenomenon associated with cholecystitis. We describe the successful management of angioembolisation and cholecystectomy.

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm (CAP) is a rare but clinically significant condition with various etiological factors. Cholecystitis is a prominent cause, often leading to inflammation-induced arterial wall erosion and pseudoaneurysm formation. CAP can present with a range of symptoms, including hemobilia, upper GI bleeding, and jaundice. Despite its rarity, CAP warrants attention in emergency care due to its potential for life-threatening arterial bleeding. Timely diagnosis is crucial, with imaging techniques playing a key role. Depending on the clinical context, management options include endovascular embolization and surgical intervention. Due to the limited cases, standard protocols remain elusive. A 64-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, anorexia, and weight loss, prompting an evaluation for possible gallbladder cancer. She experienced sudden abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis). Laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis, anemia, and abnormal liver function tests. Imaging showed gallbladder wall thickening, luminal contraction, and a pseudoaneurysm in the cystic artery. The patient underwent angioembolization followed by cholecystectomy, confirming acute cholecystitis and CAP with thrombosis. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and appropriate management in CAP, particularly when accompanied by acute cholecystitis.