Abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm as a complication of chronic pancreatitis: case report

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis can be complicated by several vascular disorders, such as bleeding pseudocysts, thrombosis of the venous portal system, varicosities, and pseudoaneurysms. Pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta secondary to chronic pancreatitis is a rare complication. It is a challenging clinical situation, demanding a high degree of clinical suspicion, and requires complex therapeutic procedures. The pathophysiology of this condition involves interstitial liberation and activation of enzymes from the exocrine pancreatic glands and subsequent digestion of the surrounding tissues. In the present case report, we describe a 52-year-old patient complaining of diffuse abdominal pains. Clinical investigation revealed chronic alcoholism and imaging examinations showed a pseudoaneurysm of the infrarenal aorta. We decided to perform conventional surgical treatment after considering the patient’s age and clinical status and the endoprostheses available at our hospital with diameters compatible with the patient’s aorta.

Keywords:
pseudoaneurysm; abdominal aorta; pancreatitis