Splenic artery embolisation may be used when pancreatitis damages an artery and produces a pseudoaneurysm. This is a contained leak through the artery wall, not a routine feature of every episode of pancreatitis. A splenic artery pseudoaneurysm can bleed seriously and needs prompt specialist assessment.
Why pancreatitis can affect an artery
The splenic artery runs close to the pancreas. Inflammation and pancreatic enzymes can injure the vessel wall. Blood may collect outside the normal artery channel, forming a pseudoaneurysm. CT angiography can help identify its location, blood supply and any active bleeding.
Symptoms requiring urgent care
Sudden or worsening abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, dizziness, fainting or collapse can indicate bleeding. Seek emergency care rather than waiting for an outpatient appointment. Some pseudoaneurysms are detected on imaging before these symptoms occur, but still need assessment.
How embolisation works
A vascular and interventional radiologist guides a catheter through an artery to the affected vessels using angiography. Coils, liquid embolic material or another suitable device may be used to exclude the pseudoaneurysm from circulation. The approach depends on the vessel anatomy and the patient’s stability. Surgery or another vascular technique may be needed in some circumstances.
Potential benefits and limitations
Embolisation can control or prevent bleeding without an open abdominal operation in suitable patients. It does not treat the underlying pancreatitis by itself. Repeat bleeding, incomplete exclusion or another complication may require further intervention. Preserving spleen tissue and other organ blood supply is part of treatment planning, but cannot be guaranteed.
Risks and monitoring
Risks include access-site bleeding, contrast reactions, vessel injury, splenic infarction, infection or abscess and unintended blockage of another vessel. The team monitors symptoms and blood tests after treatment. Follow-up imaging assesses exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm and the condition of the spleen.
Planning a review in Vijayawada
Bring CT images, pancreatitis discharge records and previous procedure details. Explore our image-guided vascular treatments or request a non-emergency consultation at Vascular Interventions Clinic. Active bleeding needs immediate hospital assessment.
