Search Results (2)

Background and Clinical Significance: Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAP) is a rare but life-threatening complication of chronic pancreatitis. Although endovascular embolization achieves high technical success, recurrence and delayed rupture may occur, particularly in patients with ongoing pancreatic inflammation or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Case Presentation: A 47-year-old woman with alcohol-associated chronic pancreatitis presented with hematochezia, melena, and syncope. CT angiography revealed a 3.6 cm SAP adjacent to a 4.2 cm pancreatic head pseudocyst, and she underwent successful coil embolization. Despite initial stability, she relapsed into heavy alcohol use, experienced recurrent pancreatitis flares, and developed progressive multisystem comorbidities. Surveillance imaging up to three months post-embolization showed pseudocyst fluctuations without early recanalization, but long-term follow-up lapsed. Eight months after embolization, she presented in hemorrhagic shock from recurrent SAP rupture and died despite massive transfusion and emergent splenic artery ligation. Conclusions: Fatal SAP rupture may occur months after technically successful embolization. Sentinel bleeding, AUD relapse, and progressive systemic decline are critical warning signs. Structured post-embolization imaging and multidisciplinary management are essential to improve long-term outcomes. Full article

Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), one of the ‘Big Four’ venomous snakes in India, is responsible for the majority of snakebite-induced deaths and permanent disabilities. Russell’s viper bites are known to induce bleeding/clotting abnormalities, as well as myotoxic, nephrotoxic, cytotoxic and neurotoxic envenomation effects. In addition, they have been reported to induce rare envenomation effects such as priapism, sialolithiasis and splenic rupture. However, Russell’s viper bite-induced pseudoaneurysm (PA) has not been previously reported. PA or false aneurysm is a rare phenomenon that occurs in arteries following traumatic injuries including some animal bites, and it can become a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly. Here, we document two clinical cases of Russell’s viper bites where PA has developed, despite antivenom treatment. Notably, a non-surgical procedure, ultrasound-guided compression (USGC), either alone, or in combination with thrombin was effectively used in both the cases to treat the PA. Following this procedure and additional measures, the patients made complete recoveries without the recurrence of PA which were confirmed by subsequent examination and ultrasound scans. These data demonstrate the development of PA as a rare complication following Russell’s viper bites and the effective use of a simple, non-surgical procedure, USGC for the successful treatment of PA. These results will create awareness among healthcare professionals on the development of PA and the use of USGC in snakebite victims following bites from Russell’s vipers, as well as other viper bites. Full article