GIANT PSEUDOANEURYSM OF A SPLANCHNIC ARTERY; A Case Report

Abstract

A true aneurysm is defined as an enlargement of an artery resulting in a diameter more than 1.5 times the anatomic size. It can be fusiform when it covers the entire perimeter of the vessel, or saccular when it bulges on one side of the artery. The pseudoaneurysm is a pulsating encapsulated haematoma in communication with the lumen of the ruptured vessel,which affects the the intima and the media and which is stopped from developing by the adventitia and the surrounding connective tissue. Geographically, aneurysm can be broadly divided into intracranial and extracranial types.While the neurosurgeon manages the intracranial types, the vascular surgeon manages the extracranial types. Vascular surgeons also do divide the extracranial types into central (abdominal-aorto-iliac, thoracic including ascending, transverse aortic arch and descending), peripheral (extremities) and visceral (splanchnic arteries). Splanchnic artery aneurysm includes the coeliac, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric arteries including their branches. Of all intra-abdominal aneurysms, only around 5% are due to the splanchnic arteries,which could be either true or pseudo. The prevalence has been estimated at 0.1-0.2%.