[Hepatic artery aneurysm]

Abstract

Introduction: Aneurysms of the hepatic artery are relatively rare. Diagnosis often occurs only after rupture, and mortality is substantial. We report two new cases.

Cases: The first patient was a 70-year-old woman whose asymptomatic aneurysm of the common hepatic artery was identified during ultrasound for vomiting and abdominal pain. Open aneurysm repair and a hepatosplenic bypass led to a favorable outcome. The second patient was a 54-year-old man; his right hepatic artery aneurysm was diagnosed after it ruptured in the gall bladder.

Discussion: We review the literature about hepatic artery aneurysms and discuss the clinical features and methods for diagnosis and treatment of these uncommon lesions.