Prophylactic embolization of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after blunt abdominal trauma in a child

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 45; no. 4; pp. 837 - 839
• Main Authors: Yi, Ivan Khoo, Miao, Fiona Lim Pin, Wong, Janice, Narasimhan, K.L, Lo, Richard H.G, Yee, Low, Stringer, David Alexander, Sundfor, Anette Jacobsen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2010
• Subjects: Abdominal Injuries - complications; Aneurysm, False - diagnostic imaging; Aneurysm, False - etiology; Aneurysm, False - therapy; Aneurysm, Ruptured - prevention & control; Blunt abdominal trauma; Blunt liver injuries; Child; Embolization, Therapeutic; Hepatic Artery; Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm; Humans; Liver - blood supply; Liver - injuries; Male; Pediatrics; Prophylactic embolization; Radiography; Surgery; Wounds, Nonpenetrating - complications; Blunt abdominal trauma; Prophylactic embolization; Blunt liver injuries; Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2010.01.021

Abstract We describe a 10-year-old boy who developed a pseudoaneurysm in the territory of the left hepatic artery after blunt trauma to the abdomen, which was prophylactically embolized. He was discharged early and was able to return to activities of daily life. In view of the potentially fatal complication of severe hemorrhage from a missed hepatic pseudoaneurysm rupture, recognition and early embolization of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of hepatic artery are recommended. This decreases morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay and allows for early mobilization especially in children who are difficult to restrain in bed.