Acquired pancreatic arteriovenous malformation

Abstract

Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation is a rare vascular anomaly which may cause abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding and portal hypertension. Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation is mostly congenital; however secondary pancreatic arteriovenous malformation due to pancreatitis has been suggested by some authors. We encountered a case which can confirm this presumption. Several imaging modalities are useful for the diagnosis of pancreatic arteriovenous malformation, especially dynamic contrast-enhanced studies. Angiography is the most important diagnostic tool because of the dynamic features of this vascular lesion. Treatment is advised and consists of surgical resection and/or transarterial embolization.