Embolization of an intrapancreatic aneurysm

Pancreatic aneurysms, although relatively rare, are a cause of haemorrhage and mortality in chronic pancreatitis. Haemorrhage can occur into either the pancreatic parenchyma or the gastrointestinal tract via the pancreatic ducts and may necessitate emergency surgery (White et al, 1976). We report a case of a bleeding intrapancreatic aneurysm successfully treated by selective transcatheter embolization, under local anaesthetic, using a femoral approach. The patient, a fifty-two-year-old alcoholic, was first found to have a hypochromic, microcytic anaemia in May 1978 (Hb 7.2 g/dl). Oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy (OGD) and barium meal revealed no varices, ulcer or other potential source of bleeding, but a barium enema examination demonstrated five colonic polyps which were excised by colonoscopic snare polypectomy and shown to be benign on histological examination. He was treated with oral iron supplements and his haemoglobin rose to 13.6 g/dl. The OGD and barium meal were repeated one year later following a h...