Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports (Feb 2024)

Sinistral Portal Hypertension Due to a Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A Rare Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

  • Lefika Bathobakae MD, MPH,
  • Sacide S. Ozgur MD,
  • Arielle Aiken MD,
  • Anas Mahmoud MD,
  • Jessica Escobar MLS,
  • Gabriel Melki MD,
  • Yana Cavanagh MD,
  • Walid Baddoura MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23247096241231644
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Sinistral portal hypertension (SPH), also known as segmental portal hypertension, is a complication of pancreatic disorders and an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. SPH is observed in patients without cirrhosis and arises from splenic vein thrombosis. Unmitigated backflow of blood may cause gastric venous congestion and ultimately GI hemorrhage. Herein, we report a rare case of massive hematemesis due to SPH in a male patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst. Our patient was successfully treated with endoscopic necrosectomy followed by open splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and partial gastric resection.