Spontaneous regression of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication of acute pancreatitis

Wilson Castillo-Tandazo,¹ José Ortega,² César Mariscal<sup>3

1</sup>School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Guayas, Ecuador; ²School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Guayas, Ecuador; ³Intensive Care Unit, Omnihospital, Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

Abstract: Spontaneous pseudoaneurysm regression is a rare event. In particular, the spontaneous regression of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm has, to our knowledge, been previously documented in only two case reports. Furthermore, the pathophysiological mechanism of this event remains unclear. However, it is fully known that this vascular complication is potentially life-threatening and presents a high mortality rate if untreated. We report the case of a 49-year-old man affected by acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography was performed, and showed a pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery. This patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to treat the pancreatitis, while the vascular complication was managed with a careful and conservative treatment. On day 6 of hospitalization, a second computed tomography scan was performed and revealed complete regression of the pseudoaneurysm. This case describes the diagnosis and management of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm following acute pancreatitis and its spontaneous regression.

Keywords: vascular complications, acute pancreatitis, pseudoaneurysm, regression