Aneurysms of the Hepatic Artery

Abstract

Aneurysms of the hepatic artery are rare and, when symptomatic, they may present a triad of upper abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and obstructive jaundice. Asymptomatic and unsuspected aneurysms are demonstrated occasionally by abdominal arteriography or are encountered infrequently during abdominal operation for an unrelated disease. Hepatic artery aneurysms have great potential for rupture with bleeding into the peritioneal cavity, the common bile duct, or an adjacent hollow viscus. Morbidity and mortality with a ruptured aneurysm are high, and aggressive and imaginative operative therapy is required. Patients with an asymptomatic aneurysm should have operation to prevent subsequent rupture and hemorrhage.