Haemosuccus Pancreaticus as an Uncommon Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report

Abstract

Haemosuccus Pancreaticus (HP) is a rare cause of upper Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Despite being a rarity, HP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with upper GI bleeding and pancreatitis. This condition commonly occurs secondary to pseudoaneurysm formation in the setting of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Angiographic embolisation remains the gold standard for treatment, and the condition is associated with a high mortality rate, if left untreated. The authors discuss the case of a 40-year-old male who presented with upper GI bleeding secondary to HP. The imaging findings of HP are presented in the present case, including the “sentinel clot sign,” which is seldom seen but establishes the diagnosis of HP. Although HP is a rare and potentially life-threatening cause of upper GI bleeding, prompt diagnosis and effective treatment can reduce the mortality associated with HP.

Keywords

• angiographic embolisation
• pancreatitis
• pseudoaneurysm