Superior Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis after Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Chronic Pancreatitis-Induced Thrombosis of Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Artery

Every year, nearly 60,000 hospitalizations occur in the United States due to chronic pancreatitis (CP). CP can cause severe chronic abdominal pain, pancreatic insufficiency, and increased risk of pancreatic cancer. While venous thrombotic complications are common, arterial thrombotic events are rarely reported in CP. This report describes a case of a 43-year-old female who presented with severe worsening abdominal pain due to CP. Diagnostic imaging disclosed thrombosis of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac artery (CA) with acute bowel wall changes reflecting ischemic changes, resulting in acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia. Endovascular stent placement relieved the ischemia with the resolution of pain. Arterial thrombosis should be considered as a diagnostic possibility when patients with CP present with a significant change in symptoms. Importantly, the case demonstrates that endovascular treatment with stent placement can relieve ischemia and resolve symptoms in patients with CP.

Vascular complications of pancreatitis

More than 200000 hospital admissions happen per year for acute pancreatitis and more than 50000 for chronic pancreatitis in the United States of America. Necrotizing pancreatitis accounts for 20%-30% of the cases. One-quarter of the patients with pancreatitis develop vascular complications, which carries a high mortality. This mini-review will address these complications that can help primary care physicians and hospitalists in managing their patients effectively.

An extremely rare complication of acute pancreatitis: Intraventricular thrombus

Acute pancreatitis is a frequent reason for emergency admission, which has seen its numbers increase over the years. This condition has systemic, local, and vascular complications. A 73-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department complaining of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. During imaging, intraventricular thrombus was discovered, and following completion of diagnostic testing, he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Herein, we present the first case of intraventricular thrombus related to acute pancreatitis prothrombotic process in the literature.

Necrotizing pancreatitis: A review for the acute care surgeon

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing pancreatitis is a common condition with high mortality; the acute care surgeon is frequently consulted for management recommendations. Furthermore, there has been substantial change in the timing, approach, and frequency of surgical intervention for this group of patients.

METHODS

In this article we summarize key clinical and research developments regarding necrotizing pancreatitis, including current recommendations for treatment of patients requiring intensive care and those with common complications. Articles from all years were considered to provide proper historical context, and most recent management recommendations are identified.

RESULTS

Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment in the acute phase, and complications (both short-term and long-term) are discussed. Images of surgical interventions are included from our institutional experience.

CONCLUSION

Necrotizing pancreatitis management remains heavily based on clinical judgement, although technological advances and clinical trials have made decision making more straightforward.