An Unexpected Complication of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with a Novel Treatment Approach

Abstract

Splenic injury after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been documented in less than 30 cases. Here, we present a case that involves a 52-year-old male with choledocholithiasis who developed a splenic injury and major hemorrhage immediately after ERCP. The patient ultimately required splenic artery embolization without splenectomy, a novel treatment approach. The case demonstrates the importance of having a high index of suspicion of this rare complication as well as discusses potential causes of post-ERCP splenic injury and a treatment approach that does not involve splenectomy.