Spontaneous Rupture of Infected Walled-Off Necrosis in the Transverse Colon with a Nonoperative Favorable Outcome: A Rare Event

Abstract

Infected walled-off necrosis (WON) is a well-known complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, with higher mortality and morbidity. An infected or symptomatic WON requires drainage. Occasionally, WON may spontaneously fistulize into the gastrointestinal lumen or may rupture into the peritoneum. We describe a case of spontaneous rupture of WON in the transverse colon with uncomplicated spontaneous resolution, which is an extremely rare event.

Keywords

walled-off necrosis - spontaneous rupture - colon

Introduction

In the revised 2012 Atlanta guidelines of acute pancreatitis, walled-off necrosis (WON) is defined as an encapsulated collection of pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis that has a well-defined wall and forms at 4 weeks or later after the onset of acute pancreatitis. It can be either sterile or infected.[1] Spontaneous rupture of WON in the gastrointestinal lumen is a rare event, and only a few case reports have described it.[2] [3] [4] Ever since the introduction of this new terminology, there is no reported case of spontaneous fistulization of infected WON in the colon. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of WON in the transverse colon.

Case Report

A 50-year-old male patient presented with a history of recurrent vomiting, intermittent fever, loss of appetite, and generalized weakness for 15 days. He had an episode of acute severe necrotizing biliary pancreatitis 8 weeks ago with development of acute kidney injury for which he underwent two sessions of hemodialysis. He developed acute necrotic collection and was managed conservatively. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) performed after the first week of acute pancreatitis showed a 7.6 × 13 cm heterogeneous ill-defined collection replacing pancreatic parenchyma suggestive of acute fluid collection ([Fig. 1]). There was an inflammatory thickening of the wall of the stomach, with multiple fluid collections in peripancreatic, gastrosplenic, and pararenal spaces. Moderate ascites was present. The CT scan also showed multiple small calculi in the gallbladder.

Fig. 1 Pancreatic acute fluid collection before spontaneous rupture.

On presentation, he had a pulse rate of 98/minute and blood pressure of 110/74 mm Hg. Abdominal examination revealed a vague tender lump in the epigastric region. His hemoglobin was 6.2 g/dL, total leucocyte count (TLC) was 19,000/cu/mm, platelets was 0.52 lacs/mL, SGOT/SGPT (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase) was 19/15 U/L, serum alkaline phosphatase was100 IU/L, serum albumin was 1.8 g/dL, and serum creatinine was 0.9 mg/dL. The patient was managed with intravenous meropenem and fluconazole, and 1 unit of blood transfusion was performed. On the fifth day of admission, patient developed a single episode of hematochezia, with a fall in hemoglobin of 2 g/dL. The patient was stabilized with intravenous fluids and 1 unit of blood transfusion. Gastroscopy was normal. Colonoscopy was performed the next morning, which revealed a large ulcerated area in the transverse colon with multiple fistulous openings suggestive of spontaneous rupture of WON ([Fig. 2A] [B]). Fortunately, bleeding stopped spontaneously. CECT of the abdomen showed small pancreatic collection along with contrast extravasation from the midtransverse colon extending to the body and tail of the pancreas suggestive of pancreatic colonic fistula ([Fig. 2]). The patient had a marked relief in vomiting, and his epigastric lump decreased in size. The patient became afebrile, and all his symptoms subsided slowly. His hemoglobin remained stable at 6.8 g/dL, TLC was 12,000/cu/mm, and platelet count was 1.1 lacs/mL, indicating improvement. The patient was managed conservatively and kept on strict follow-up after discharge. After 4 weeks, a repeat colonoscopy revealed significant healing of the fistula ([Fig. 3C]), and his general condition improved. Colonoscopy at 8 weeks showed normal colon without any communication. Then the patient was referred for cholecystectomy.

Fig. 2 Colonoscopic view of the transverse colon with multiple fistulous opening from ruptured walled-off necrosis (A, B) before and (C) after spontaneous healing.

Fig. 3 Walled-off necrosis after spontaneous rupture, with decrease in the size of collection and extravasation of contrast from the colonic lumen into the pancreatic collection.

Discussion

Infected WON is a serious complication that may ensue at least 4 weeks after an episode of acute pancreatitis, with a mortality rate of 20 to 30%.[5] According to the 2012 Atlanta guidelines, the various well-defined local complications of acute pancreatitis include acute peripancreatic fluid collection, pseudocyst, acute necrotic collection, and WON.[1] Conservative management is usually advocated in asymptomatic WON, whereas drainage is required in cases of infected WON or when there is refractory abdominal pain, failure to thrive, and gastric and biliary obstruction.

In acute pancreatitis complications, colonic involvement has a relatively low incidence (~3%).[6] Colonic complications range from a localized pseudo-obstruction of the ileus to necrosis, hemorrhage, ischemic colitis, and fistula formation. There are many case reports and series describing spontaneous rupture or fistulization of pseudocysts into the adjacent structures such as the stomach, duodenum, or colon, resulting in either further complications or resolution of the condition.[7] [8] [9] In a study, Doberneck had reported closure of fistulas with conservative management in three-fourths of duodenal fistula and one-third of jejunal fistula, whereas all five colonic fistulas in his series required surgery.[10] There is scarce literature on spontaneous rupture of WON, with a few case reports showing rupture in the stomach and duodenum, with uncomplicated resolution.[2] [3] [4] In our case, the spontaneous rupture of infected WON in the transverse colon with nonoperative favorable outcomes is an extremely rare event and, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported earlier.

Conflict of Interest

None.

• References

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Publication History

Article published online:
04 May 2020