Severe Acute Pancreatitis Complicated by Multiple Intra-Abdominal Hemorrhages

Intra-abdominal hemorrhage is a rare yet life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), with a higher prevalence in cases of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This condition is primarily caused by vessel wall erosion and rupture of pseudoaneurysms (PSAs). However, SAP cases involving multiple sequential arterial hemorrhages are extremely rare. This condition is primarily brought on by the process of vessel wall degeneration and the development of PSAs. Nonetheless, SAP necessitating multiple episodes of arterial bleeding is very uncommon.

Here is the case history of a 31-year-old man already being treated for SAP. His condition was then complicated by massive, frequent intra-abdominal bleeding. The patient initially presented to the hospital with SAP. He was transferred to the intensive care unit for proper management. Massive intra-abdominal bleeds occurred on the 31st, 45th, and 60th days during hospitalization. The maximum blood loss was 1,500 mL. In each of the instances, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) embolization was carried out after the bleeding source had been verified. In order to manage SAP, continuous percutaneous drainage and staged pancreatic necrosectomy were undertaken for 6 months. No recurrence of intra-abdominal hemorrhage was detected. Infection of the abdominal cavity was properly controlled. The patient left the hospital in good condition.

Spontaneous bleeding in the abdominal cavity is a severe and life-threatening complication of SAP. This is often caused by vessel wall erosion. In such cases, DSA plays a crucial role in diagnosis and management. Besides precisely locating the bleeding source, one can perform a much-needed embolization immediately. Consequently, the disease is under total control, and the patient is much more likely to survive.