Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm within a pancreatic pseudocyst as a complication of chronic pancreatitis: Report of a case

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication of chronic pancreatitis. Pseudoaneurysm can also be a complication of pancreatitis. A splenic pseudoaneurysm within a pancreatic pseudocyst is a less frequent complication of chronic pancreatitis. We present the case of a 35-year-old man with chronic pancreatitis who suffered from epigastric pain and a palpable epigastric mass. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated two concentric cystic lesions; the inner one had pulsatile arterial flow. In addition, magnetic resonance angiography confirmed a saccular lesion arising from the splenic artery. The surgical specimens contained a large pancreatic pseudocyst with an inner splenic pseudoaneurysm. A large thrombus measuring about 5 × 6 cm in the cavity of the splenic pseudoaneurysm was found. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful course and was well at follow-up for 2 years.