Haemorrhagic shock in early acute pancreatitis a rare but significant event

Abstract

Abstract Serious haemorrhage late in the course of severe acute pancreatitis is an uncommon but wellrecognized condition. Massive intraperitoneal bleeding as a presenting symptom is extremely rare and has not previously been recorded. A case where bleeding occurred from the left gastric artery is presented. Attention is drawn to the need for laparotomy or paracentesis in the profoundly shocked patient with pancreatitis who fails to respond to conservative care, for in such cases the haemorrhage may readily be arrested and a fatal outcome averted.