Abdominal pain and collapse in the emergency department

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jun 10:2013:bcr2013009925. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009925.

Abstract

Rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm is a rare but life-threatening presentation to the emergency department. This case demonstrates the importance of swift resuscitation and the benefit of bedside imaging in a highly unstable patient. The definitive management of this condition in patients who are refractory to resuscitative attempts is immediate surgery with the diagnosis often only confirmed at laparotomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adult
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / complications
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / surgery*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Splenic Artery / surgery*
  • Ultrasonography