Delayed esophageal hemorrhage caused by a metal stent: treatment with embolization

We report a case of life-threatening esophageal hemorrhage after metal stent implantation successfully treated by arterial embolization. An 85-year-old woman was admitted in shock secondary to massive hematemesis and melena. Recent medical history revealed esophageal cancer treated 8 weeks previously by endoesophageal radiotherapy (40 Gy) and endoscopic placement of a covered Wall-stent prosthesis. Selective arteriography of the fifth posterior right intercostal artery showed massive contrast extravasation in the esophagus. Embolization was performed with 150-250-micron polyvinyl alcohol particles. Follow-up at 5 months was uneventful. Arteriography and embolization are advised when severe hemorrhage occurs after esophageal implantation of metal stents.