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Splenic artery-colonic fistula due to pancreatitis
Southern Medical Journal
|September 1, 1983
Insights
Chronic pancreatitis patients can experience gastrointestinal bleeding from common causes. This case highlights a rare splenic artery-colonic fistula identified via emergency angiography.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a potential complication in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
- Common etiologies include gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastroesophageal varices.
Observation:
- A patient presented with gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Standard causes were considered but not definitively identified initially.
Findings:
- Emergency angiography revealed an unusual source of bleeding.
- The hemorrhage originated from an arteriovenous fistula between the splenic artery and the colon.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare vascular anomalies in unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Angiography is crucial for diagnosing and potentially treating such fistulas.
- Recognition of splenic artery-colonic fistulas can guide management in complex pancreatitis cases.
Abstract:
Patients with chronic pancreatitis may have gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastroesophageal varices are commonly responsible. In our case, emergency angiography was used to demonstrate bleeding from a splenic artery-colonic fistula.