[Aneurysm of the splenic artery: rupture in pregnancy]

The rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm during pregnancy is a rare event. Two thirds of all ruptures happen during the third trimester. We report a case of a patient at 39 weeks of gestation suffering from abdominal pain and fetal distress. At cesarean delivery an aneurysm of the splenic artery was found to be the reason for the hematoperitoneum. Spleen, aneurysm and the tail of the pancreas were removed. The patient and her infant survived without further damage. Increased blood flow and changes in the vascular wall put pregnant women at risk for rupture of an aneurysm. In case of acute abdominal pain accompanied by progressive hypotension in a pregnant patient, a rupture of the splenic artery has to be considered. Active management and operation are the most important procedures for diagnosis and therapy of the bleeding. Abdominal delivery will help to establish diagnosis and should be performed immediately.