[Massive pseudocysto-jejunal hemorrhage caused by rupture of pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery].

The authors report a case of massive intestinal hemorrhage caused by rupture of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm into a pseudocystojejunostomy. The pathologic and clinical features of this unusual complication of pancreatitis are discussed. One hundred and seventy one cases of major bleeding associated with pseudocysts and/or pseudoaneurysms have been reported in the literature during the period 1989-May 1991. Acute and chronic pancreatitis may be the underlying etiologies and the overall mortality rate of this complication is 35.1%. According to the authors experience, angiographic localization of the bleeding sources and steel coil embolization play a key role in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to what is generally regarded as the most rapidly lethal sequelae of pancreatitis.