A case of post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery treated with endovascular embolization and review of the literature

Abstract

AIM: The pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery (HAP) is mainly associated with liver trauma. Post-traumatic HAP is usually asymptomatic and found at imaging follow-up. Its detection warrants correction, irrespective of size or symptoms.

MATERIAL OF STUDY: We report a case of post-traumatic liver pseudoaneurysm treated with endovascular embolization.

An 80-year-old man developed pseudoaneurysm of the S6 branch of the hepatic artery, 14 days after a motorcycle accident.

RESULTS: The patient was treated with radiological embolization of the pseudoaneurysm, which completely disappeared.

After the intervention, the patient developed acute anemia and leukocytosis. At discharge, the white blood cell count was normal, as well as hemoglobin and bilirubin concentrations.

DISCUSSION: Treatment options include endovascular embolization, ultrasound-guided thrombin injection, placement of an angiographic stent, surgical ligation, and surgical resection.