Vascular complications of acute pancreatitis

Jozef Diškanec, Jakub Hustý, Matúš Litvín, Daniela Varechová
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Published: 08.09.2026

Vascular complications represent one of the most severe risks during the course of acute pancreatitis and can fundamentally affect the patient's prognosis. This interactive algorithm guides the user through the key phases of patient management when vascular involvement is suspected. It focuses on the correct diagnostic procedure for identifying the source of bleeding and on the decision-making process between available therapeutic methods. The aim of the algorithm is to demonstrate the optimal strategy for minimizing mortality and ensuring the timely detection of impending risks in clinical practice.

The test guides the student through the key points of the management algorithm for a patient with vascular complications of acute pancreatitis:

  1. Initial Management: Recognizing acute clinical deterioration and selecting immediate bedside diagnostic steps (physical examination, bedside ultrasound).
  2. Pathophysiology: Identifying the most common cause of massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage (pseudoaneurysm rupture).
  3. Imaging Modalities: The role of triple-phase CT angiography in localizing the bleeding source and its status as the diagnostic 'gold standard.'
  4. Therapeutic Approach: Selecting the optimal interventional method (endovascular embolization) and understanding the limitations of surgical treatment in severe pancreatitis.
  5. Potential Complications: Assessment of the most common post-interventional outcomes (e.g., segmental splenic infarction) and their clinical significance.