Right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm: rare complication of plastic biliary stent insertion

Pseudoaneurysms Post-biliary Stenting: A Comprehensive Literature Review

PURPOSE

Pseudoaneurysms (PSA) following endoscopic biliary stenting are a rare, potentially life-threatening adverse event. Incidence, diagnostic approach, treatment, and prevention of PSA remain unknown. In this comprehensive literature review, we aimed to evaluate the association of developing PSA following biliary stent placement.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of databases for studies that reported development of PSA after placement of a biliary stent. Full text review and data extraction were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

From 386 initial studies, 32 (n = 36 patients) met inclusion criteria. Thirty-one patients had stents placed in the common bile duct, four in the right or left hepatic ducts, and one in the cystic duct. The most common indication for stent placement was biliary obstruction from pancreatic adenocarcinoma with 69.4% of patients having primary pancreaticobiliary malignancy or metastases. 52.0% had received prior chemotherapy with or without localized radiation. Metal stents were used in 60.5% of cases and plastic stents in 37.2%. Average time to PSA presentation was 114 days, with gastrointestinal bleeding as the most common sign/symptom (75%). PSAs were most often located in the hepatic artery (55.6%), diagnosed by diagnostic angiography (55.6%), and treated with embolization (86.1%). No immediate deaths were reported and 83.3% of patients fully recovered.

CONCLUSION

The majority of PSAs presented with gastrointestinal bleeding and developed in patients who had metal stents placed for pancreaticobiliary malignancy. Prior history of previous chemotherapy/radiation or biliary procedures was common in this population. Angiography and embolization were used to diagnose and manage most cases.

Portal-Vein Compression Caused by Double-Pigtail Plastic Biliary Stent

Introduction

Reports of pseudoaneurysms associated with biliary self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement have been increasing. Recently, cases of hepatic pseudoaneurysm rupture caused by double pigtail plastic stents (DPS) have also been reported. The symptoms of pseudoaneurysms are often non-specific, and many cases are diagnosed only after rupture. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment are required.

Case Presentation

A 45-year-old woman presented with obstructive jaundice caused by pancreatic head cancer, with imaging revealing common bile duct stenosis and intrahepatic bile duct dilation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed to place a DPS in the left hepatic duct, relieving jaundice. However, follow-up contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) revealed differences in arterial-phase blood flow between the liver lobes without reduction in portal vein blood flow. Therefore, the compression and stenosis of the left branch of the portal vein caused by the DPS were clearly identified using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). The DPS was replaced with a straight-type stent, preventing further complications. The patient subsequently underwent successful pancreaticoduodenectomy without any surgical complications.

Conclusion

This is a case of portal vein compression caused by double-pigtail plastic biliary stent. By promptly recognizing the differences in arterial-phase blood flow between the liver lobes and replacing the DPS with a straight-type plastic stent, complications, such as portal vein pseudoaneurysm formation, rupture, embolism, or thrombosis, were successfully avoided.

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm-the Mayo Clinic experience and literature review

Introduction

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition associated with high mortality. This study aims to review the etiology, clinical manifestations, management, and outcomes of patients diagnosed and treated for HAP at the Mayo Clinic.

Methodology

This study was a retrospective chart review of medical records for patients diagnosed and treated for hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) at the Mayo Clinic (Florida, Minnesota, and Arizona) between September 1, 1998, and June 30, 2022. A total of 27 patients with HAP were identified, and their demographics, presenting symptoms, location of HAP, etiology, associated liver pathology, type of intervention, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The majority of patients with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) were male (63%), with a median age of 57 years (range: 25-87 years). HAP was predominantly intrahepatic (85.2%) and most commonly located on the right hepatic artery (RHA) (70.4%). In 89.9% of cases, the condition was attributable to hepatobiliary procedures or trauma, while only 10.1% occurred spontaneously. Presenting symptoms at the time of HAP diagnosis varied, including gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (29.6%), abdominal pain (14.81%), non-GI bleeding (11.1%), traumatic bodily injury (11.1%), and other symptoms (14.81%). Asymptomatic or incidental findings of HAP were observed in 18% of cases. Malignancy was identified in 52% of patients, and 26% were liver transplant recipients. Statistical analysis revealed that factors such as prior knowledge of HAP (p = 0.381), HAP rupture (p = 0.382), anticoagulation therapy (p = 0.856), hemorrhagic shock (p = 0.25), liver cirrhosis (p = 0.143), gastrointestinal bleeding (p = 0.879), hepatobiliary abscess (p = 0.079), liver transplantation (p = 0.738), spontaneous HAP (p = 0.381), and malignancy (p = 0.163) were not significantly associated with increased mortality. In contrast, the need for transfusions (p = 0.021), tumor invasion (p = 0.023), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (p = 0.02), and liver necrosis (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with higher mortality. The overall infection rate was 3%, while the mortality rate was 18.5%.

Discussion

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) is a rare but serious condition often associated with hepatobiliary procedures, trauma, or liver transplants, though it can also occur spontaneously. While HAP is commonly detected incidentally, its diagnosis is frequently linked to complications such as rupture and gastrointestinal bleeding. However, our study suggests that these complications do not necessarily increase mortality. Key factors associated with higher mortality include the need for blood transfusions, tumor invasion, portal vein thrombosis, and liver necrosis at the time of diagnosis. The overall infection rate was low, but the mortality rate was 18.5%, highlighting the importance of early detection and management.

A rare incidence of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following plastic biliary stent insertion

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms have been reported to occur in approximately 1% of cases after metal stenting for malignant biliary obstruction. In contrast, only a few cases have been reported as complications after plastic stenting for benign biliary disease. We report a 61-year-old man with cholangitis who presented with a rare complication of hemobilia after implantation of 7 Fr double pigtail plastic biliary stents. No bleeding was observed approximately one month after biliary stent tube removal. Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a circularly enhanced lesion (5 mm in diameter) in the arterial phase at the tip of the previously inserted plastic bile duct stent. Color Doppler ultrasonography enhanced the lesion and detected arterial blood flow inside. He was diagnosed with a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. However, he had no risk factors such as prolonged catheterization, severe cholangitis, liver abscess, or long-term steroid use. Superselective transarterial embolization using two metal microcoils was successfully completed without damage to the surrounding liver parenchyma. If hemobilia is suspected after insertion of a plastic bile duct stent, immediate monitoring using contrast-enhanced computed tomography or Doppler ultrasonography is recommended.

Evaluation of Clinical Indications of Three Treatments for Choledocholithiasis with Acute Cholangitis

Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), common bile duct exploration, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography combined with common bile duct exploration for treating choledocholithiasis with acute cholangitis, to guide management strategies.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was conducted on a cohort of 283 inpatients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis and acute cholangitis at the affiliated hospital. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group A (ERCP group), Group B(common bile duct exploration group), and Group C(PTCD combine common bile duct exploration group.) Parameters such as hepatic function recovery, inflammation level control, blood loss, postoperative hospital duration, and postoperative complications were compared.

Results

All groups exhibited notable reductions in postoperative biochemical parameters including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and WBC (P < 0.05). Group A had the least blood loss(P < 0.05), and shortest hospital stay(P < 0.05), but a higher incidence of pancreatitis(P < 0.05), with a total of 8 cases occurred(7.3%). Group C had a shorter hospital stay compared to Group B(P < 0.05).

Conclusion

For patients with fewer and smaller common bile duct stones and milder symptoms, it is recommended to primarily choose endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD), it procedures offer quicker recovery and cause minimal trauma. For patients with numerous, larger common bile duct stones but stable conditions, bile duct exploration is recommended. For those with severe conditions and significant inflammation, PTCD and common bile duct exploration are advised.

Hemobilia from a right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm due to chronic cholecystitis

Splanchnic pseudoaneurysms are rare causes of hemobilia. Specifically, hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms from infectious or inflammatory etiology are even more rare. In this article, we describe our encounter with a 72-year-old female presenting with obstructive jaundice and acute blood loss anemia. Upper endoscopy indicated hemobilia and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was completed with stent in place. Post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, computed tomography angiogram indicated a right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm which was the cause of her hemobilia. The patient was ultimately treated with selective coil embolization and interval cholecystectomy.

Rupture of Pseudoaneurysm after Biliary Metallic Stent Placement

Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm (PA) has been reported as a rare but serious adverse event associated with endoscopic biliary stenting. We herein report 2 cases of severe biliary bleeding from a PA that developed 10-14 days after placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for biliary malignancy. The first patient was successfully embolized with endovascular coiling. However, the second patient had wide-spreading cholangiocarcinoma and, despite being treated once by full coiling, developed a second rupture of PA two months after starting systemic chemotherapy. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of PA and carefully follow stented patients after endovascular treatment.

Massive hemobilia following plastic stent removal in common bile duct cancer associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (with video)

Hemobilia is defined as bleeding into the biliary tract. Herein, we report a very rare case of massive hemobilia following plastic stent (PS) removal in common bile duct (CBD) cancer. A 72-year-old man with primary sclerosing cholangitis had undergone repeated insertion of a PS into the CBD. Biliary tract biopsy was performed based on suspicion of combined CBD cancer. Biopsy revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the CBD. One month after the biliary tract biopsy, he was admitted for acute cholangitis, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed for the exchange of the PS. When one of the two biliary PSs was removed, spurting bleeding from the major papilla began abruptly. The massive bleeding caused the patient to be in a pre-shock state. A retrieval balloon catheter was compressed against the papilla for hemostasis. Although he was treated conservatively, the patient developed a bloody discharge. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed that the pulsatile bleeding beside the PSs started immediately after the removal of the coagula. Emergent contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed right hepatic artery aneurysm across the CBD. Therefore, transarterial embolization was performed. The patient's post-therapeutic course was uneventful. He received chemotherapy, but died about a half year after hemobilia occurred.

Recurrent Bleeding from a Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm after Biliary Stent Placement

A 78-year-old woman was admitted with benign biliary stenosis. A plastic stent was placed at the left branch to prevent obstructive cholangitis. Two weeks after the procedure, the patient was readmitted with cholangitis caused by hemobilia. However, computed tomography (CT), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), peroral cholangioscopy, and abdominal angiography failed to establish the bleeding source. At the seventh bleeding, CT revealed a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm for which coil embolization was successfully performed. Hemobilia after plastic stent placement is extremely rare. We urge clinicians to consider the possibility of a pseudoaneurysm near the stent when trying to identify the bleeding source.

Late-onset severe biliary bleeding after endoscopic pigtail plastic stent insertion

Here, we report our experience with a case of severe biliary bleeding due to a hepatic arterial pseudoaneurysm that had developed 1 year after endoscopic biliary plastic stent insertion. The patient, a 78-year-old woman, presented with hematemesis and obstructive jaundice. Ruptured hepatic arterial pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed, which was suspected to have been caused by long-term placement of an endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) stent. This episode of biliary bleeding was successfully treated by transarterial embolization (TAE). Pseudoaneurysm leading to hemobilia is a rare but potentially fatal complication in patients with long-term placement of ERBD. TAE is a minimally invasive procedure that offers effective treatment for biliary bleeding.

Emergency right hepatectomy after laparoscopic tru-cut liver biopsy

BACKGROUND

Liver biopsy is a common procedure usually required for final pathologic diagnosis of different liver diseases. Morbidity following tru-cut biopsy is uncommon, with bleeding complications generally self-limited. Few cases of major hemorrhage after liver biopsies have been reported, but to our knowledge, no cases of emergency hepatectomy following a tru-cut liver biopsy have been reported previously.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the case of a 38 years-old woman who presented with an intrahepatic arterial bleeding after a tru-cut liver biopsy under direct laparoscopic visualization, initially controlled by ligation of the right hepatic artery and temporary liver packing. On tenth postoperative day, she developed a pseudo-aneurysm of the anterior branch of the right hepatic artery, evolving with massive bleeding that was not amenable to control by endovascular therapy. Therefore, an emergency right hepatectomy had to be performed in order to stop the bleeding. The patient achieved hemodynamic stabilization, but developed a biliary fistula from the liver surface, refractory to non-operative treatment. In consequence, a Roux-Y hepatico-jejunostomy was performed at third month, with no further complications.

DISCUSSION

Bleeding following tru-cut biopsy is a rare event. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an emergency hepatectomy due to hemorrhage following liver biopsy. Risks and complications of liver biopsy are revised.

CONCLUSION

Care must be taken when performing this kind of procedures and a high level of suspicion regarding this complication should be taken in count when clinical/hemodynamic deterioration occurs after these procedures.