Abstract:

Pancreatic sinistral portal hypertension (PSPH) is a rare entity resulting from splenic vein obstruction and is characterized by splenomegaly, gastric and/or esophageal varices with normal liver function. PSPH-related gastric varices is one of severe complications with high incidence and is difficult for prompt diagnosis and treatment. To date, there is no consensus on treatment strategy. Splenic artery embolization (SAE) has been considered as an alternative strategy to splenectomy with satisfactory safety and efficacy for treatment of gastric bleeding caused by PSPH. Here we reported one case with autoimmune pancreatitis-related PSPH with gastric bleeding in Department of Gastroenterology Zhongshan Hospital. Treatment with transcatheter SAE led to gradual stop of gastric bleeding and much improvement of gastric varices. Follow-up study indicated that recurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was not present without postoperative complication. The results suggest that SAE is a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment strategy for controlling PSPH-related gastric variceal bleeding in the patient with autoimmune pancreatitis.

Key words: Splenic artery embolization, Autoimmune pancreatitis, Pancreatic sinistral portal hypertension, Gastro-intestinal bleeding