Splenic aneurysm rupture as a cause of maternal collapse.
Rupture of splenic artery aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of collapse occurring during pregnancy or in the puerperium. It is a relatively rare condition with a high mortality in which lives could be saved by prompt diagnosis and treatment. Anaesthetists and obstetricians should be aware of this because 20-50% of all ruptures occur during pregnancy. We describe two cases and discuss the epidemiology, aetiology and management of this condition.
Department of Anaesthesia, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
R
R
Wadsworth
A
A
Devine
K
K
Raychaudhuri