Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Delayed Presentation after a Blunt Trauma

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but life-threatening condition.
• Spontaneous rupture can occur after blunt trauma.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for patient survival.

Observation:

• A 34-year-old male presented with hematemesis and epigastric tenderness 1.5 months post-blunt trauma.
• The patient had a duodenal ulcer and a large pseudoaneurysm of the left hepatic artery.
• The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly after diagnosis.

Findings:

• The patient underwent emergency distal gastrectomy and cholecystectomy.
• The bleeding pseudoaneurysm was successfully removed during surgery.
• This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of pseudoaneurysms in unexplained GI bleeding.

Implications:

• Ruptured hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms demand immediate medical attention.
• Abdominal artery aneurysms should be considered in patients with unidentified gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
• Timely surgical intervention is key to managing this critical condition.