A Case Report of Giant Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Splenic Infarctions

Abstract

The splenic artery is a frequently affected site for pseudoaneurysms, abnormal bulges in the artery wall. Pseudoaneurysms of the splenic artery are typically linked to pancreatic issues, including acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and the formation of pancreatic pseudocysts.[1,2,3,4] These pseudoaneurysms can rupture into nearby organs, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding.[5] Common symptoms associated with splenic artery pseudoaneurysms include the passage of bloody stools (hematochezia) or dark, tarry stools (melena), vomiting blood (hematemesis), abdominal pain, and a condition known as hemosuccus pancreaticus.[6] In the instance of our patient, hematemesis, anaemia, and stomach pain were observed.[6]
 The preferred imaging method for diagnosing splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is CT angiography.[7] Diagnosing a pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery can be challenging due to its rarity. Still, splenic infarct can provide a valuable diagnostic clue, as was the case similar to our patient.[6]
 Pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery is a relatively rare complication with associated pancreatitis.[1] While pseudoaneurysms can develop in any blood vessel near the pancreas, the splenic artery is most frequently affected, accounting for about 60% of cases due to its proximity to the pancreas.[8] In autopsy studies, the reported incidence of splenic artery pseudoaneurysms ranges from approximately 0.098% to 10.4%.[9] Identifying this less common vascular complication is crucial because it has the potential to rupture and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.[5]