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C ASE R EPORT : Haemosuccus pancreaticus: A clinical challenge
Author(s) -
Yattoo Ghulam,
Khuroo Mohammad,
Wani Nazir,
Wani Khurshid,
Bhat Fayaz
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.01834.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pancreatitis , pancreatic duct , upper gastrointestinal bleeding , gastrointestinal bleeding , splenectomy , complication , pancreatic pseudocyst , pseudoaneurysm , pancreatectomy , surgery , pancreas , splenic artery , general surgery , endoscopy , spleen
Background : Haemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare complication of pancreatitis. It is a diagnostic problem for even the most astute clinician and a challenge for the expert endoscopist. We report a 25‐year‐old male patient who had all the features usually seen in haemosuccus pancreaticus patients: recurrent obscure upper gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, pseudocyst formation, ductal disruption, fistula and pancreatic ascites. The patient was treated by subtotal pancreatectomy, splenectomy and drainage of the pseudocyst. Although pancreatic duct communication with the surrounding vasculature could not be ascertained, we strongly believe the patient had haemosuccus pancreaticus because, over a follow‐up period of 3 years, the patient was not only ascites free, but did not experience any further upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We believe that in evaluating patients with recurrent obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, one should always remember that the pancreas is a part of the gastrointestinal tract and, like other organs, is prone to blood loss.