Spontaneous rupturing of splenic artery aneurysm: Another reason for fatal syncope and shock (Case report and literature review)

Abstract

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is a rare condition; however, it is one of the most common intra-abdominal aneurysm. In the emergency department (ED), due to an uncommon cause of shock and syncope in SAA, it poses great diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians. Here we reported a case of spontaneous rupturing of SAA. A 47-year-old man presented to the ED for syncope and shock. As he had unstable hemodynamic, we gave him fluid resuscitation and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), free intraperitoneal fluid was identified on ultrasound, then hemorrhagic ascites was identified by a diagnostic abdominal paracentesis. The rare but life-threatening diagnosis of spontaneous rupturing of SAA was confirmed by contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography and surgery. Spontaneous SAA rupturing is a rare fatal condition which needs immediate diagnosis and management to achieve a favorable outcome. Though there are no risk factors, emergency physicians should consider SAA in the differential diagnosis of sudden collapse. Also, as an emergency physician, it is very important to be a master of first aid skills such as POCUS and treat patients according to the process.

Keywords

• splenic artery aneurysm
• syncope
• shock
• pocus