Splenic artery aneurysm as an unusual cause of new onset ascites: a case report

ABSTRACT

Splenic artery aneurysm [SAA] is a rare and potentially life-threatening clinical entity that carries a risk of rupture and peritoneal hemorrhage. When ruptured, it typically manifests as abdominal pain with hemodynamic instability. This is a report about a 29-year-old male admitted for evaluation of recent-onset ascites following the spontaneous resolution of a transient episode of severe epigastric and left upper quadrant pain with syncope the preceding day. Paracentesis revealed bloody fluid. Abdominal computed tomographic angiography [CTA] and magnetic resonance venography [MRV] showed a three centimeter SAA. During admission, prompt exploratory laparotomy was performed that revealed excessive intraperitoneal hemorrhage due to a ruptured SAA. The pathology report confirmed that the SAA had developed secondary to atherosclerosis. Careful history taking together with appropriate imaging tests and emergent surgical intervention led to a timely diagnosis and the patient's survival.