A CASE OF SPLENIC ANEURYSM COEXISTING WITH CAVERNOUS ANGIOMA OF THE SPLEEN

Aneurysms of the spleen are relatively rare, and are found in a frequency ranging from 0.01% to 0.04% at necropsy. In Japan more than 170 cases have been documented. In this paper we describe a case of splenic aneurysm coexisting with a splenic cyst.A 62-year-old female was pointed out to have a swelling of the spleen at medical examination, and was admitted to the hospital for further close examinations. Ultrasonography and CT revealed a 87×81 mm splenic cyst, a 20×28 mm splenic aneurysm, and liver cirrhosis. Selective angiography of the celiac artery showed the partially calcified aneurysm at slightly central-side of hilum lineis. Excision of tail of pancreas including the aneurysm and splenectomy were carried out. The disease, lacking in specific manifestations, is associated with portal hypertension in a frequency of about 50% of the cases. When a swelling of the spleen and portal hypertension are found, we should bear in mind a possible occurrence of the disease and, if it is actual, operation in an early stage should be given priority over other treatments, because it has a high mortality, if ruptured.