Splenic Artery Aneurysm Rupture during Pregnancy: A Potential to Avoid Disastrous Consequences

Abstract

Objective: to review the current knowledge and management of splenic artery aneurysm during pregnancy and to identify factors that may enhance maternal and fetal survival.Data sources: MEDLINE medical literature data base was searched for related articles published from January 1975 to August 1995. These primary articles were listed as sources for additional references.Study selection: articles published in the English language literature were screened. All articles were included for review except those case reports or case series which studied splenic artery aneurysm with no mention of pregnancy or reproduction.Data extraction: a total of 15 cases of both maternal and fetal survival after splenic artery aneaurysm rupture during pregnancy was found in the English language literature. These cases were reviewed and the demographic and clinical data collated.Results: the majority of these cases were not diagnosed pre-operatively.Conclusions: splenic artery aneurysm rupture during pregnancy is an uncommon but not rare event. The clinical importance lies not in its frequency but in its gravity. The condition is not widely known. Currently, the maternal and fetal mortality rates are extremely high. There is potential for improving che dismal outcome due to a number of special features in this condition.