Pseudoaneurysm of Splenic Artery Ruptured in Pancreatic Pseudocyst and Complicated by Wirsungorrhagia: The Role of the Ultrasound Techniques and Contrast Substances

Introduction

One rare cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is represented by the evidence of blood on the papillary level during endoscopy. The differential diagnosis is made between hemobilia and hemosuccus pancreaticus caused by a tumor, hematoma or a pseudoaneurysm which communicates with the pancreatic duct. Upper GI endoscopy must be performed within 24 hours of admission. Advanced age, active bleeding, hypotension or shock, red blood cell transfusion > 6 units or severe coagulopathy are clinical risk factors of increased mortality.