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. 2021 Oct 1;73(4):e94-e97.
doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003218.

Vascular Complications in Pediatric Pancreatitis: A Case Series

Chinenye R Dike  1 , Gretchen Cress  2 , Douglas S Fishman  3 , Tanja Gonska  4 , Chee Y Ooi  5 , Emily R Perito  6 , David Troendle  7 , Cynthia M Tsai  3 , Mark E Lowe  8 , Aliye Uc  2
Affiliations

Vascular Complications in Pediatric Pancreatitis: A Case Series

Chinenye R Dike et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. .

Abstract

We reviewed INSPPIRE (International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In Search for a Cure) database for splanchnic venous thrombosis or arterial pseudoaneurysms to determine the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of peripancreatic vascular complications in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP). Of 410 children with diagnostic imaging studies, vascular complications were reported in five (1.2%); two had ARP, three CP. The vascular events were reported during moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis (AP) in four, mild AP in one. Venous thrombosis occurred in four, arterial pseudoaneurysm (left gastric artery) in one. Two patients with venous thrombosis were treated with anticoagulant, one achieved recanalization (splenic vein). In two patients who did not receive anticoagulants, one re-canalized. No adverse effects were observed with anticoagulants. The child with pseudoaneurysm underwent aneurysmal coiling. Anti-coagulants appear to be safe in children with acute pancreatitis, their long-term benefit needs to be further investigated.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr Mark Lowe is on the Board of Directors of the National Pancreas Association and receives royalties from Millipore Inc and UpToDate. Dr Tanja Gonska received a research grant from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and she is a consultant for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Dr Aliye Uc is a member of American Board of Pediatrics, Subboard of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Associate Editor of Pancreatology and Consultant for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The remaining authors report no conflicts of interest.

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