Colonic stricture: A rare complication of ultraselective transcatheter arterial embolization with microcoils for transverse colonic diverticular hemorrhage

Ultraselective transcatheter arterial embolization with microcoils is a highly effective and safe treatment for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Here we present a patient with a history of pandiverticulosis, who was hospitalized with acute hemorrhage in the mid-transverse colon. The patient underwent a successful embolization with a microcatheter and microcoils. Postembolization angiography demonstrated no residual flow to the areas of concern. One-month postembolization, however, the patient presented to the emergency department with nonspecific abdominal symptoms. After imaging and endoscopy studies, a colonic stricture–a rare complication of ultraselective embolization with microcoils– was found. The patient underwent partial colectomy of the mid-transverse colon; postcolectomy course was uneventful. The case suggests a rare but clinically significant complication of ultraselective embolization using microcoils for patients with diverticular hemorrhage. We therefore hope to assist clinicians in making the appropriate diagnosis and intervention when presented with similar clinical presentations and history of embolization.