Gastric infarction after therapeutic embolization.

A case of extensive gastric necrosis after therapeutic transcatheter embolization of the left gastric artery with fragments of gelatin sponge for recurrent massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage is reported. Although future modifications in technique and in choice of embolic agents undoubtedly will be forthcoming, postembolic ischemic necrosis may prove to be a major limitation of this technique. Until more widespread experience is accumulated and the frequency of postembolic ischemic necrosis is known, it would seem prudent to reserve this procedure for those patients presenting prohibitive surgical risks.