The observation of the formation of splenic artery pseudoaneurysms

Pseudoaneurysms are infrequent, potentially fatal angiopathies. Because of a high mortality rate, pseudoaneurysms must be handled urgently, regardless of the size and symptoms at presentation. We report a case of chronic pancreatitis and a pseudocyst of the pancreas complicated with a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was chosen as the device to observe the forming of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm, which could provide timely, minimally invasive, precise lesion information. Early diagnosis and urgent measure are important when there is a high probability of splenic artery psedoaneurysm. In recent years, EUS has been extensively studied in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic disease. The color-Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) can dynamically reflect the peripheral blood flow signal. EUS with a CDFI function can play an important role in the initial detection of pseudoaneurysms, especially when complicated with chronic pancreatitis with or without a pseudocyst. We recommend that EUS should be carried out if a pseudoaneurysm near the digestive tract is considered, then effective and timely measures can produce a favorable prognosis.