Giant aneurysm of the ileocolic artery presenting as abdominal mass

Abstract

An aneurysm of the abdominal splanchnic artery is a relatively rare vascular disorder. Since it is characterized by nonspecific clinical manifestations, an aneurysm in this uncommon location is usually diagnosed following complications. A 55-year-old female presented with a pulsatile lump in her right iliac fossa. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography diagnosed it as aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). However, on exploration, SMA was found to be free, and the aneurysm was seen to be arising from the ileocolic artery ending in the appendicular branches. Ligation followed by excision of the sac along with the cecum and appendix was done followed by ileoascending anastomosis. Isolated aneurysms of the SMA branches are rare. Most cases are diagnosed after the occurrence of complications. Due to the high risk of rupture and ligation, they can interrupt the circulation to the target organs, and therefore, surgery is indicated even in the absence of complications.

Keywords

• ileocolic artery
• superior mesenteric artery
• visceral artery aneurysm