A fatal case of massive hemobilia caused by invasive pancreatic cancer with median arcuate ligament syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: In median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), the celiac artery is compressed, causing an arcade to develop in the pancreatic head, leading to ischemic symptoms and aneurysms.

Patient concerns: The patient was diagnosed with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (PC) and MALS. Endoscopic biliary drainage with a covered metal stent (CMS) was performed for the obstructive jaundice. After the jaundice improved, a modified FOLFIRINOX regimen was initiated. Several days later, cardiopulmonary arrest occurred after hematemesis occurred. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, his blood pressure stabilized, and emergent upper endoscopy was performed. The CMS was dislodged and active bleeding was observed in the papillae. The CMS was replaced, and temporary hemostasis was achieved. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a diagnosis of extravasation from the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (PSPDA) into the biliary tract. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed. However, the patient was subsequently diagnosed with hypoxic encephalopathy and died on day 14 of hospitalization.

Diagnosis: Biliary hemorrhage due to invasion of pancreatic cancer from the PSPDA associated with MALS.

Intervention: None.

Outcomes: Biliary hemorrhage from the PSPDA was fatal in the patient with invasive PC with MALS.

Lessons: Since MALS associated with PC is not a rare disease, the purpose of this study was to keep in mind the possibility of fatal biliary hemorrhage.