Rupture of splanchnic artery aneurysms

The results of surgical therapy for acute ruptured splanchnic artery aneurysms in 6 patients treated at Helsinki University Central Hospital from 1964 to 1984 were analyzed. There were 3 patients with ruptured splenic, 2 with ruptured hepatic and 1 with ruptured superior mesenteric artery aneurysms. The condition remained undiagnosed in all patients preoperatively, and the diagnosis was obtained only at emergency laparotomy performed for severe shock, abdominal pain, and distension. Five of the 6 patients survived, including a pregnant woman, who gave birth to a living baby by ceserean section. The results indicate that immediate, aggressive surgical approach dictated by the clinical condition of the patient affords good survival in patients suffering from acute rupture of splanchnic artery aneurysms.