Spontaneous rupture of splenic artery aneurysm: A rare complication leading to hypovolemic shock

Spontaneous rupture of the splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) is a rare complication (2% to 10%), it carries a significant mortality risk. We report a case of a 48-year-old male who presented with acute severe epigastric pain radiating through to the back. He was in class 3 haemorrhagic shock. Following stabilisation, a computerised tomogram (CECT) of the abdomen was done, which revealed a ruptured SAA with blood in the retro pancreatic area. As haemodynamic status deteriorated again, the patient underwent laparotomy and ligation of the splenic artery and splenectomy. He recovered well. Therefore, early recognition and early intervention for the ruptured visceral artery aneurysms is critical.