Multiple Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysms Causing Sinistral (Left-Sided) Portal Hypertension

Abstract

Background. Splenic artery aneurysm is the most common type of visceral aneurysms. They are usually asymptomatic and have a potential for rupture and therefore life-threatening hemorrhage. It is rare for them to cause sinistral portal hypertension.Case Report. A 23-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with gastric varices, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, and normal liver functions. She was thus diagnosed with left-sided portal hypertension. Radiologic evaluation showed splenomegaly, splenic vein obstruction, and multiple aneurysms along the splenic artery ranging from 2.5 cm to 7 cm. Splenic artery aneurysm was thought to be the cause of portal hypertension and hypersplenism. We decided splenectomy is the best course of treatment. Pancytopenia could not be corrected preoperatively despite the transfusion treatment. Surgical exploration revealed multiple aneurysms deeply embedded in pancreas. Thrombocyte and erythrocyte transfusion was performed after splenic artery ligation to correct pancytopenia before further intervention. Splenic artery, spleen, and distal pancreas were resected en bloc. Patient’s blood parameters became normal within first postoperative day. Patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged without incident.Conclusion. Splenic artery aneurysms are rare but potentially life-threatening incidents. Therefore, it is important to know the unusual presentations and prepare accordingly.