MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR HEPATIC-ARTERY ANEURYSMS

A 70-year-old woman underwent an elective sigmoid resection for chroni c diverticulitis. On the third postoperative day she suddenly develope d abdominal pain and hypotension after a coughing episode. Radiologic evaluation demonstrated the presence of a hemoperitoneum. A celiac art eriogram was obtained in an effort to determine the cause of the hemor rhage. Four aneurysms of the intrahepatic portions of the left and rig ht hepatic arteries were found. These aneurysms were successfully trea ted using steel coil embolization. Surgery has traditionally been the ''gold standard'' treatment of this rare entity. Recent reports have d emonstrated the utillity of embolization in treating aneurysms of the hepatic arteries. This report reviews the current treatment options av ailable in the management of hepatic artery aneurysms. Embolization of the aneurysms is recommended.