Case Report: Spontaneous Rupture of Inferior Epigastric Artery Masquerading as Inguinal Hernia

Spontaneous rupture of an inferior epigastric artery aneurysm is rare with very few cases reported in the medical literature. Although surgical options are available, this case was managed conservatively with outpatient management.

A 29-year-old male presented with right groin pain and swelling that was initially felt to be consistent with an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Further evaluation revealed spontaneous rupture of an inferior epigastric artery aneurysm. The patient was treated conservatively and was ultimately discharged home from the emergency department.

Due to the similar clinical presentations, it was important to consider a broad differential to ultimately arrive at the correct diagnosis. In some reported cases of spontaneous epigastric artery aneurysm, surgical intervention was required for control of the bleeding. In our patient, however, conservative management was employed, and the patient was able to be safely discharged with close outpatient follow-up.