Splenic Artery Aneurysm as a Cause of Abdominal Pain and Hypotension

Summary

Splenic artery aneurysms are the second commonest type of intraabdominal arterial aneurysms.

The highest incidence is observed in fertile females. The incidence is higher in multiparae. The mean risk rate of its rupturing is 5% and is higher in pregnant subjects. In case of rupture, the mortality rate is as high as 75% for the mother and up to 95% for the foetus.

The authors present a case review of a young female and a middle- aged male subject. In the case review, the authors show a relatively high incidence rate of the disorder and describe the disease course depending on the hospital technical equipment.

The differential diagnostic presentation points out disorders which may potentially mimic the splenic artery aneurysm symptoms.

The authors discuss the principal role of sonographic and CT examinations in the diagnosis of aneurysms. They also mention the importance of endovascular methods in the treatment of the disorder.

At the end of the article, the authors stress out that the incidence of the splenic artery aneurysms is higher than commonly expected and that the diagnosis should be considered in all abnormal cases of left upper and middle abdominal pain.

Key words:
splenic artery – aneurysm – acute abdomen – haemoperitoneum – hypotension