Endovascular Management of a Portal Vein Pseudoaneurysm following Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Abstract

Introduction: Portal vein pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potential life-threatening complication following pancreatoduodenectomy. We herein report on the successful, minimally invasive treatment of this serious complication.

Case presentation: A 68-year-old male patient who had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy with portal vein wedge resection at another facility presented to our department due to persistent bile leakage and intermittent bleeding. Abdominal computed tomography scanning demonstrated a large fluid collection surrounding the pancreatojejunostomy, with an occlusion of the common hepatic artery as well as a portal vein pseudoaneurysm. Treatment was performed by means of a minimally invasive approach, including endovascular portal vein stent placement and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) through the dehiscent hepaticojejunostomy. This was followed by the placement of a percutaneous pigtail in the peripancreatic fluid collection for adequate drainage. Antibiotics were administered for a total duration of 6 weeks following stent placement. In the subsequent weeks, the PTBD could be internalized and the pigtail removed, after which patient was discharged. During outpatient visits, a contrast injection through the PTBD confirmed the absence of bile leakage, after which the drain could be removed.

Conclusion: This article presents one of the few published cases of portal vein pseudoaneurysm following pancreatoduodenectomy and underscores the vital role of minimally invasive endovascular stent and PTBD placement in managing this rare and potentially lethal complication.