Fatal and life threatening rupture of splenic artery aneurysms in children with portal hypertension.

Aneurysms of the splenic artery (SAAs) are a rare complication of portal hypertension in adults. Although the risk of rupture is small, associated mortality is high. Furthermore, circulatory changes that occur following liver transplantation (OLT) may increase the risk of SAA rupture. The incidence in children with portal hypertension is unknown and thus we present our experience with two children who had ruptured SAA, one of whom died. Although there are no accepted methods for routine screening, hepatic angiography should be considered in children with long-standing portal hypertension (more than 10 yr), in order to detect and consider resection of the aneurysms, either before or at the time of liver transplantation. Copyright 2004 Blackwell Munksgaard