Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine 2017;4(2):113-116

doi:10.15441/ceem.16.193

Splenic artery aneurysm with the double-rupture phenomenon.

Jung Ho KIM 1 ; Han Sol CHUNG ; Jong Ha KIM ; Sin Youl PARK ; Sam Beom LEE ; Byung Soo DO

Affiliations

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Keywords

Splenic artery; Aneurysm; Double rupture

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Splenic artery aneurysm is the third most common type of intra-abdominal aneurysm, with a prevalence rate of 0.01% to 10.4% in the general population. Splenic artery aneurysm is usually asymptomatic and is typically detected by chance and does not require surgical management; however, if rupture occurs, although rare, the patient's situation can become critical. We report our experience with a man who presented with left flank and left shoulder pain. His symptoms were caused by multiple hematomas confined to the spleen, but 2 days after admission, he developed delayed hemoperitoneum and required surgical management. We believe that his condition was due to delayed intraperitoneal bleeding called the double-rupture phenomenon; emergency physicians must consider this phenomenon when taking care of splenic artery aneurysm patients.