Splanchnic artery pseudo-aneurysms secondary to blunt abdominal trauma in children

Traumatic splanchnic artery pseudo-aneurysms are uncommon; only two cases have been reported among the pediatric population. The authors describe their experience with four patients in whom splanchnic artery pseudoaneurysms developed after blunt abdominal trauma. Splenic artery pseudo-aneurysms were found in a 6-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl after blunt splenic injuries. In both cases, spontaneous thrombosis of the pseudo-aneurysms occurred after a period of observation. Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms were found in a 7-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl after major liver lacerations. The boy had successful angiographic embolization of the lesion, but the girl required direct ligation of the pseudo-aneurysm after nearly exsanguinating from acute hemorrhage. All four children have recovered completely, with no long-term sequelae. Traumatic splanchnic artery pseudo-aneurysms are potentially life-threatening complications that can occur after blunt abdominal trauma. The investigation and management of these lesions must be individualized according to the clinical scenario. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company