Superior Mesenteric Vein Aneurysm Rupture

Abstract

Aneurysmal disease in the venous system is uncommon. The majority of venous aneurysms occur in peripheral vessels. Visceral venous aneurysms (VVA) are rare, the most common being portal mesenteric vein aneurysms. Because of their rare nature, limited information concerning the natural history, presentation, and management of VVA is known. Many VVA are asymptomatic; others cause mass effect or other complications. Rupture is a rare complication, occurring in only 2.2% of VVA. To date, only 17 descriptions of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) aneurysms have been reported. We report the first case of a ruptured SMV aneurysm.