Obstruction of the celiac axis resulting in a pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm.

A 47-year-old woman complained of abdominal pain, and a computed tomography scan indicated compressive obstruction of the celiac axis and a 4-cm retropancreatic aneurysm. An angiogram identified the aneurysmal vessel as the posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery. All foregut structures were supplied by this aneurysmal vessel. Via an open approach, the inflow and outflow of the aneurysm were ligated, and blood flow to the celiac axis was reconstructed via a bypass from the supraceliac aorta. A follow-up scan indicated complete thrombosis of the aneurysm. The patient is now symptom free. Open reconstruction of the celiac axis is mandatory when ligation of a pancreaticoduodenal aneurysm results in foregut ischemia. Ligation and reconstruction can be done safely and effectively in the elective setting.