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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Application of Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy with Total Blood Flow Occlusion in Benign Splenic Lesions
Published on: December 20, 2024
Rupture of splenic artery aneurysm
1Office of the Medical Examiner, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.
Cocaine use may trigger fatal splenic artery aneurysm ruptures. Forensic toxicology should test for cocaine in such deaths, as it may be a contributing factor.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Splenic artery aneurysms are rare but can be life-threatening.
- Rupture of these aneurysms can lead to rapid exsanguination and death.
Observation:
- Three fatalities due to splenic artery aneurysm rupture occurred between 1988 and 1991.
- Cocaine was detected in the blood of two of the deceased individuals.
Findings:
- Cocaine use is suspected to have precipitated the splenic artery aneurysm rupture in two cases.
- Toxicologic testing for cocaine is crucial in cases of splenic artery aneurysm rupture.
Implications:
- The presence of cocaine should be considered a contributing factor to death, not merely incidental.
- This finding highlights the importance of comprehensive toxicologic screening in forensic investigations.
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