Surgical repair of ruptured gastroduodenal artery aneurysm caused by duodenal ulcer: A case report

Abstract

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm rupture is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is often associated with a high mortality rate if diagnosis or intervention is delayed. Here, we report a case of a 70-year-old man who presented with acute, severe, diffuse abdominal pain and bloody vomiting for two days. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a moderate hemoperitoneum and enhancing focal area in the epigastric region, indicating the ruptured GDA aneurysm. An urgent laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis, and the ruptured GDA was successfully treated by ligation. Fortunately, the patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged without complications. In conclusion, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in reducing the mortality rate associated with GDA aneurysm rupture. Although endovascular repair is the preferred treatment modality, surgical repair may be necessary in cases of hemodynamic instability, unamenable anatomy, unavailable equipment, or lack of subspecialty experience. Thus, physicians must be vigilant in identifying the symptoms of this rare condition and act quickly to provide appropriate treatment.