Splenic Artery Aneurysm in Pregnancy

Abstract

EDITORIAL COMMENT: We accepted this rather detailed case report for publication because of the special relationship of rupture of splenic artery aneurysms with pregnancy. It is wise for obstetricians to know that this condition is an important uncommon cause of abdominal pain and collapse during pregnancy, labour or the puerperium. Summary: Rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm during pregnancy or delivery is a rare event. Only 99 cases have been reported. There is significant risk to mother and fetus. This paper describes a splenic artery aneurysm rupture with a concomitant unruptured hepatic artery aneurysm and coincidental partial placental abruption with fetal death at 22 weeks' gestation. Splenectomy was performed to achieve haemostasis. Nonsurgical treatment by embolization of the hepatic artery aneurysm was performed after a routine postoperative computed tomogram (CT) and angiogram revealed the lesion. CT screening of high‐risk patients and ultrasound/pulsed Doppler screening of pregnant women with unexplained abdominal pain might be an important precaution in the avoidance of obstetric catastrophies.