Spontaneous renal pseudoaneurysm rupture presenting as acute intraabdominal haemorrhage

Abstract

A 39-year-old man with a known history of end-stage renal disease presented with hypovolaemic shock and acute abdominal pain. Blood-stained peritoneal fluid was present. Right perirenal and extensive mesenteric haematomas were seen at laparotomy and CT. Right renal arteriography demonstrated a small renal artery pseudoaneurysm, and embolization was performed. The patient later developed intractable sepsis and died despite nephrectomy and drainage of the infected haematomas. Although there is an increasing trend towards conservative management of spontaneously ruptured kidneys from benign causes, embolization followed by early surgery should be considered in cases of extensive intraabdominal haemorrhage.