Visceral artery aneurysms encountered in General Surgery Department: A case series

Abstract

Introduction: Visceral artery aneurysm (VAA) represents a complex clinical situation. On one hand, rupture can endanger the patient’s life; on the other hand, therapeutic decision-making is often marked by hesitation due to the variety of available treatment options.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of prospectively recruited patients diagnosed with VAA. The aim is to present five cases of visceral aneurysms to familiarize the medical team with these rare entities and to support the implementation of an appropriate, yet non-hasty, therapeutic approach.

Results: All patients were male, and most had a history of cardiovascular disease. Infective endocarditis was the triggering factor for VAA formation in two cases. Abdominal pain was the most commonly reported symptom. Endovascular treatment failed in most of the attempted cases. Salvage surgery was required in two patients, and elective surgery was performed in one case.

Conclusion: Due to the potential complications and the limitations of each therapeutic procedure, it is crucial to assess the patient's overall condition, including vital signs, aneurysm location, underlying cause, arterial distribution, and the availability of both interventional radiology and surgery. This comprehensive evaluation is necessary to guide an adapted and effective therapeutic choice.