Journal of Vascular Medicine & Surgery

Abstract

Hepatic Artery Aneurysms in Polyarteritis Nodosa: A Panoramic Mini Review

Patrick Vera Cruz*

Introduction: Hepatic Artery Aneurysms (HAAs) are rare vascular abnormalities with a high rupture and mortality rates.

Clinical presentation: We are presented with a case of a 25-year-old female with no known comorbidities who sought consult for recurrent cramping abdominal pain, lower extremity discomfort, nausea and vomiting. She was initially managed as acid reflux disease, however, symptom recurrence despite treatment prompted further workup.

Diagnosis and management: CT aerogram and invasive angiography showed a large saccular aneurysm from the hepatic artery proper and collateral blood vessels from the gastroduodenal artery supplying the right and left lobes of the liver. After thorough discussion team, high dose IV steroids were given and then she underwent open surgical resection of the aneurysm with biopsy of the aneurysm wall showed findings consistent with polyarteritis nodosa.

Conclusion: Vasculitis is an important etiology HAA among young women. Clinical presentation may mimic common gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, maintaining a high index of suspicion is needed to avoid missing this diagnosis. For this case, recognition of the urgency in managing the aneurysm, a suitable anatomy for open surgical resection and prompt control of the underlying etiology facilitated the patient’s favorable outcome. Keywords: Hepatic artery aneurysm; Polyarteritis nodosa; Visceral aneurysm; Vasculitis

Published Date: 2025-10-17; Received Date: 2024-04-06