Angiographic embolization of a ruptured renal artery aneurysm during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND

Ruptured arterial aneurysms during pregnancy usually are catastrophic, and the primary approach is surgical. Angiographic embolization is an alternative treatment.

CASE

A 28-year-old primigravida with a history of congenital hepatic fibrosis presented at 23 weeks' gestation with abdominal pain, hypertension, and proteinuria. She underwent a cesarean delivery for preeclampsia and a retroperitoneal hematoma was noted. A postoperative angiogram revealed bilateral renal artery and splenic aneurysms. She underwent two angiographic embolizations of a ruptured right renal artery aneurysm and was discharged to undergo outpatient embolotherapy of the left renal and splenic aneurysms. The day after discharge, she died because of rupture of the splenic aneurysm.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive management of ruptured and high-risk unruptured aneurysms during pregnancy is indicated. Embolotherapy is an alternate approach if surgery is not possible.