Pseudoaneurysm of the celiac trunk following acute pancreatitis. Case report

Abstract

Background. Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) are well-known complication of pancreatitis. Splenic artery is the most common localisation, but other peripancreatic vessels may also be affected. Although VAA may develop palpable epigastric mass, bleeding and pain, they are often fully asymptomatic, being incidentally picked up on abdominal US, CT or angiography for other reasons.

Case report. The authors report a case of a 38-year-old male with pseudoaneurysm of celiac trunk following an acute pancreatitis. The complex cystic-solid epigastric mass was initially detected by grey-scale US, and its vascular nature was suspected on colour-Doppler US scan. Precise localisation was determined by angiography.

Conclusions. Colour-Doppler US is a reliable diagnostic method for detection of VAA, but hardly identifies the vessel of origin in many patients. Angiography is fundamental for the final diagnosis, followed by immobilisation in selected cases. Celiac axis always has to be kept in mind as a rare possible localisation of VAA.