title: Splenic artery aneurysm: an important cause of hemoperitoneum and shock.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Splenic artery aneurysm ruptures are rare and highly morbid events that are frequently associated with pregnancy. However, approximately 15% may occur in men, and it is important to have this possibility in the differential diagnosis in cases of hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock. Rapid diagnosis and treatment is essential to survival.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this report is to educate emergency physicians on the early recognition and treatment of this life-threatening event and to increase the awareness of this condition in male patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the evaluation and management of two cases of splenic artery rupture in male patients with unique presentations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Splenic artery aneurysm ruptures should be considered in the differential diagnosis in any patient with undifferentiated shock. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Eleanor
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oakley
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Jeffrey D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vancamp
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Taj
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Melson
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006465:Hemoperitoneum / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000209:etiology*; D013157:Splenic Artery
keywords: focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination; hemoperitoneum; hemorrhagic shock; splenic artery aneurysm; syncope