Thrombosis of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm complicating pancreatitis.

The natural history of pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis is unknown. A patient with chronic pancreatitis is described in whom thrombosis of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm occurred. Early diagnosis and radical treatment of a bleeding pseudoaneurysm are mandatory. When elective treatment is considered, however, contrast enhanced computed tomography may be useful just before surgery as thrombosis may occur.