Endovascular embolization of spontaneous rupture of isolated splenic artery dissection associated with hemosuccus pancreaticus: a case report

BACKGROUND: Isolated splenic artery dissection (SAD) is extremely rare, life-threatening, and particularly difficult to diagnose. Moreover, SAD presenting as digestive hemorrhage has not been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old man presented with recurrent life-threatening hematochezia. Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic angiography showed isolated SAD with an intrapancreatic hematoma. Selective angiography confirmed the diagnosis of rupture of SAD. Hemosuccus pancreaticus was considered the potential mechanism of digestive hemorrhage. It was successfully managed by endovascular coil embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated SAD is especially rare but fatal. Rupture of SAD should be considered in the differential diagnosis as a rare cause of digestive hemorrhage. Endovascular coil embolization is effective in treating ruptured SAD.