Complicated systemic lupus erythematosus pancreatitis: pseudocyst, pseudoaneurysm, but real bleeding

Lupus. 2011 Mar;20(3):305-7. doi: 10.1177/0961203310383071. Epub 2010 Oct 18.

Abstract

We report the case of a 25-year-old patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pancreatitis which was complicated by pseudocyst and pseudoaneurysm formation. The pseudoaneurysm progressed to intra-abdominal bleeding requiring endovascular coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery. The pseudocyst and hematoma formed two large abdominal fluid collections causing symptoms due to a mass effect. These fluid collections were treated conservatively, while active SLE was treated with steroids, azathioprine, and immunoglobulins. She finally made a full recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a bleeding pseudoaneurysm complicating SLE pancreatitis. Although anecdotal, this case may serve as a useful example of the possible complications of SLE pancreatitis, including considerations on optimal management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aneurysm, False / pathology*
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pancreatic Pseudocyst / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Pseudocyst / surgery
  • Pancreatitis / etiology*
  • Pancreatitis / pathology*
  • Pancreatitis / physiopathology