Ultrasonic diagnosis of an aneurysm of the common hepatic artery

Abstract

Aneurysms of the splanchnic vessels are uncommon but eventually life threatening lesions. 1, 2 The majority of these aneurysms are asymptomatic but they may progress and cause nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and pain.' Occasionally a vascular bruit may be heard over the aneurysm. Spontaneous rupture is an uncommon but disastrous complication associated with a high mortality rate.3 In recent years ultrasound has provided a new non-invasive method to detect such lesions.This case report describes a woman with an aneurysm of the common hepatic artery diagnosed by real-time sonography. CASE REPORTA 45-year-old woman with a previous history of upper abdominal trauma, cerebral emboli, and severe menorrhagia but otherwise normal was examined because of recurrent attacks of upper abdominal discomfort and right flank pain for 4 months. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and routine laboratory tests were normal with the exception of slightly elevated hepatic enzymes. Roentgenological examination of the upper GI tract was normal. A real-time sonography of the liver and the pancreas revealed an echofree mass in the region of the head of the pancreas, and a cyst or cystic tumor in the head of the pancreas was suspected. A percutaneous biopsy was considered but since the sonographer was uncertain of the diagnosis, the patient was referred to our hospital for a new examination. This was performed with a Technicare Auto Sector real-time scanner (TechFrom the

Simultaneous Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocelluar Carcinoma and Hepatic Artery Aneurysm, Case Report

“…The aneurysm can appear as a mixed echogenic mass with varying proportions of cystic and solid components, depending on the extent of thrombosis. Calcifications can occasionally be seen in the wall [8][9][10]. Doppler ultrasound can aid in differentiating vascular from other types of masses.…”

Hepatic artery aneurysm: Imaging findings Hepatik arter anevrizması: görüntüleme bulguları

“…The aneurysm can appear as a mixed echogenic mass with varying proportions of cystic and solid components, depending on the extent of thrombosis. Calcifications can occasionally be seen in the wall (11)(12)(13). Doppler ultrasound can aid in differentiating vascular from other types of masses.…”