Hemosuccus pancreaticus (HP) defined as bleeding into the pancreatic duct was first described in 1931 by Lower and Farell. HP also popularly known as wirsungorrhaghia and pseudohemobilia is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleed. The unfamiliarity of this condition makes HP a diagnostic challenge. HP should be considered in patients with chronic pancreatitis presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen. A mesenteric angiogram with coil embolization can be performed to arrest the bleeding. The literature on this condition is restricted to case reports, case series and retrospective studies. We describe a case of HP in a patient with gastrointestinal bleeding and take this opportunity to review the literature outlining the diagnosis and management of HP.
Keywords: Gastrointestinal bleeding; Pancreatitis; Pseudoaneurysm; Hemosuccus pancreaticus.