Refractory gastroesophageal variceal bleeding secondary to neuroendocrine carcinoma in the pancreatic tail

Pancreatology. 2011;11(2):228-32. doi: 10.1159/000328392. Epub 2011 May 12.

Abstract

The main cause of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GEVB) is portal hypertension (PH) due to liver cirrhosis. Here, we report a case of regional PH and refractory GEVB secondary to neuroendocrine carcinoma (NC) in the pancreatic tail. This condition was treated using a pancreatic tail resection, splenectomy, and portal azygous devascularization. Regional PH caused by a pancreatic NC is rare and is usually presented as isolated gastric varices. This case report of regional PH details simultaneous esophageal and gastric varices that were caused by a pancreatic NC, which is a rare occurrence. Therefore, after excluding liver cirrhosis, unusual causes should be considered in cases of refractory GEVB with PH. and IAP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / surgery
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / complications*
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas / pathology
  • Pancreas / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Splenic Neoplasms / secondary
  • Splenic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed