Pancreatic retention cyst secondary to chronic pancreatitis a cause of hemobilia

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Abstract
A 47 yr old male with chronic calcific pancreatitis who had a 4 yr history of occult gastrointestinal bleeding with 3 prior hospitalizations was described. At endoscopy on the 4th admission, hemobilia was identified. Arteriography showed a 3-cm diameter dye blush in the head of the pancreas. A retention cyst had eroded into an adjacent artery, causing bleeding. A stone at the ampulla of Vater apparently served as a ball valve to prevent massive hemorrhage. The pathogenesis of hemobilia in chronic pancreatitis and suggested therapy are discussed.