GI Hemorrhage From an Arterio-Enteric Fistula From a Failed Pancreas Allograft

ACG Case Rep J. 2022 Jul 11;9(7):e00822. doi: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000822. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Arterio-enteric fistulas involving pancreas allograft are rare complications of transplantation that manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding. We discuss the case of a 34-year-old patient with failed pancreas transplant who presented with recurrent sentinel bleeding before catastrophic hemorrhage. Multiple endoscopies did not identify the source of bleeding, and subsequent angiography demonstrated a fistulous connection between the transplanted pancreatic artery and the small bowel. A stent graft was placed with immediate stabilization. We provide a review of the literature and discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of arterio-enteric fistulas to highlight the importance of early recognition and intervention in preventing life-threatening bleeding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports