Ruptured pseudoaneurysm in a biliary metallic stent in a patient with pancreatic cancer: a case report.

Abstract

We report a case of an 87 year-old woman who was admitted with jaundice, but had no pain or fever. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor in the head of the pancreas, which caused distal malignant biliary obstruction. Initial transpupillary drainage by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was difficult due to severe biliary stricture caused by the tumor, but cannulation of the pancreatic duct was successful. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was revealed through cytologic examination of pancreatic juice and the patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). 16 days after the jaundice was resolved, an uncovered Zilver® metallic stent was successfully deployed using a guidewire from the PTBD route, and the patient was discharged with palliative care due to advanced age. However, 54 days after discharge, the patient presented with black vomiting and recurrent jaundice. ERCP revealed an obstructed stent with black debris, and further evaluation revealed a ruptured pseudoaneurysm that branched off the gastroduodenal artery within the metallic biliary stent. Angiography revealed that embolization was successful. The patient recovered and was discharged without further episodes.