1. 1. Aneurysm of the splenic artery is not common. When rupture occurs it is usually fatal unless aggressive surgical treatment is promptly initiated. 2. 2. The diagnosis before rupture is very difficult unless the lesion is kept in mind and a pulsating mass is palpable or the aneurysm is demonstrable roentgenologically. Rupture may be suspected if there is initial sudden severe pain in the left upper quadrant with mild shock followed by a temporary period of improvement and then sudden and almost complete collapse with findings characteristic of massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage. 3. 3. The treatment of choice is massive transfusion and supportive measures with prompt removal of the ruptured aneurysm and spleen. 4. 4. After rupture only nine cases have been reported with recovery; a tenth case is added herein.

Aneurysm of the splenic artery.

Ruptured aneurysm of the splenic artery.

Aneurysms of the splenic artery are rare lesions, the incidence being 0.038% in collected autopsy series.1Hill and Inglis8found that 245 cases had been reported by Jan. 1, 1955. Since their publication, 22 additional proved cases have been reported in the world literature.2-7,9,11-13,15-18In a collective review by Owens and Coffey,10published in October, 1953, the average age incidence was found to be 48 years, and there were twice as many women as men with aneurysms of the splenic artery. The occurrence in pregnant women, particularly in the last trimester of pregnancy, has been noted frequently. The following case report of a patient with five saccular aneurysms of the splenic artery which were successfully resected is reported. Report of a Case A 58-year-old white woman was admitted to the St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital on June 24, 1956, with a chief complaint of pain in the

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Aneurysm of the splenic artery.

Citations

Ruptured aneurysm of the splenic artery.

Aneurysm of the splenic artery.