Intrasplenic Arterial Aneurysms during Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Splenic artery aneurysms are the most common visceral aneurysms, but intrasplenic variants are exceptionally rare.
• Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of splenic artery aneurysm rupture, posing dangers to both mother and fetus.
• No previous cases of intrasplenic artery aneurysms complicating pregnancy have been documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of intrasplenic artery aneurysms presenting during pregnancy.
• To describe the management and outcomes of a pregnant patient with acute abdomen caused by intrasplenic aneurysms.
• To emphasize the importance of considering rare vascular pathologies in pregnant patients with abdominal pain.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 34-year-old woman in her second trimester of pregnancy.
• Diagnostic evaluation including imaging to identify two uncomplicated intrasplenic aneurysms.
• Surgical intervention involving splenectomy followed by delivery.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe left upper quadrant and left shoulder pain, indicative of an acute abdominal event.
• Two intrasplenic aneurysms were diagnosed and successfully treated with splenectomy.
• The patient delivered a healthy full-term infant, with both maternal and fetal survival achieved.

Conclusions:

• This is the first reported case of pregnancy complicated by symptomatic intrasplenic artery aneurysms.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical management (splenectomy) can lead to favorable maternal and fetal outcomes.
• Intrasplenic aneurysms, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain during pregnancy.