[Perforated aneurysm of the left hepatic artery]

Aneurysms of the hepatic artery are second (20%) to the splenic artery the most common site of splanchnic artery aneurysms. The frequency of location in the branches of the hepatic artery is as follows: common hepatic 63%, right hepatic 28, left hepatic 5%, both left and right hepatic artery 4%. Today atherosclerosis (30 - 32%) is the most prevalent etiology, followed by trauma (22 - 28%) and inflammatory lesions (11%). The average age is 41,6 years, the male to female ratio 2:1. In 64-80% of patients rupture of the aneurysm is the first and dramatic clinical manifestation. The mortality is then about 35%. The case of a 64 years old female with perforated aneurysm of the left hepatic artery is presented and the literature is reviewed with emphasis on etiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic and therapeutic (surgical and non-surgical) procedures.