Pancreatitis Associated Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Radiological Insight on Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography

A splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication, but a potentially fatal condition of recurrent pancreatitis or necrotising pancreatitis and is often diagnosed incidentally on abdominal computed tomography. We report a case of a 45-year-old patient, who is a chronic alcoholic and previous history of recurrent pancreatitis, presenting with upper abdominal discomfort for the past 3 days. Investigation revealed raised serum amylase and lipase levels. On computed tomography, there was the presence of a well-defined intrasplenic lesion that was iso-attenuating on the plane scan and showed smooth-walled hypoattenuation on post-contrast images. On computed angiographic images, this lesion was seen adjacent to the intraparenchymal branch of the splenic artery, consistent with a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm and successfully managed by the interventional radiology team. Therefore, splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon but serious complication of necrotising pancreatitis. Early diagnosis through imaging and timely interventional management are essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes.