Ruptured splenic artery aneurysm detected by emergency ultrasound—a case report

Splenic artery aneurysm is a rare but a potentially fatal condition. It is usually asymptomatic until it ruptures. Here, we present a case of ruptured splenic artery aneurysm in a 59-year-old gentleman presenting with epigastric pain and hypovolemic shock. The diagnosis was made by emergency ultrasound and CT scan, and he was managed by laparotomy and excision of the splenic artery aneurysm. Priorities in patient management lie in rapid resuscitation, diagnostic imaging, surgical consultation, and subsequent laparotomy. Pitfalls should be borne in mind to differentiate splenic artery aneurysm from abdominal aortic aneurysm when using the emergency ultrasound. © 2015, Lo and Mok.