Splenic artery aneurysms, portal hypertension and pregnancy

Features of Surgical Treatment of Patients with Splenic Artery Aneurysms (Case Report and Literature Review)

Despite the insigniϐicant prevalence, aneurysms of the splenicartery take a dominant share among all visceral aneurysms with a predominance of morbidity in women of childbearing age. Taking into account the mostly asymptomatic course and the high risk of mortality due to its rupture, timely diagnosis and correct treatment strategy remain extremely important. Questions regarding the choice of surgical treatment tactics for patients with this pathology remain debatable. The aim. Demonstration of a clinical case, improvement of diagnosis andsurgical treatment of patients with splenic artery aneurysms. Clinical case. Female patient G., 32 years old, with complaints of periodic pain in the left hypochondrium, signs of portal hypertension against the background of cavernous transformationof the portal vein, history of recurrent bleeding from the esophageal veins, hypersplenism admitted with a pre-diagnosed aneurysm of the splenic artery of giant dimensions (diameter 8x5 cm). The patient was qualified for open surgery and aneurysm resection with splenectomy and spleen autotransplantation by N. Roth. The postoperative period was complicated by the occurrence of reactive pancreatitis on day 7, which was successfully treated conservatively. In the future, the course was unremarkable. The remote follow-up lasted two years, and no recurrence of the aneurysm was detected. The performed immunogram showed normal results. Conclusion. The timely diagnosis makes it possible to establish the correct diagnosis, justify the treatment tactics and prevent fatal complications. Open surgical intervention in somecases remains the method of choice in the treatment of this pathology. Autotransplantation of the spleen has shown good long-term results and can be performed in patients of this category for the prevention of immunodeficiency states.

Review article: chronic liver disease and pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic liver disease in women of child bearing age is increasing, leading to a higher incidence of pregnancy in this cohort. Chronic medical conditions have a significant adverse effect on maternal morbidity and mortality. To date, reviews on this topic have been written either from a hepatology or obstetrics viewpoint, and no specific guidelines are available solely for the management of chronic liver disease in pregnancy.

AIMS

To produce a comprehensive review on the clinical management of women with chronic liver disease during pregnancy, addressing the risks of pregnancy to mother and child, how these risks can be ameliorated, and what additional considerations are required for management of chronic liver disease in pregnancy.

METHODS

Data were collected up to May 2020 from the biomedical database PubMed, national and international guidelines in gastroenterology and hepatology.

RESULTS

During pregnancy, women with cirrhosis are more likely to develop decompensated disease, worsening of portal hypertension, and to deliver premature infants.

CONCLUSIONS

The risks associated with pregnancy can be ameliorated by advanced planning, assessing risk using the model for end stage liver disease score and risk reduction through varices screening. A multidisciplinary approach is paramount in order to minimise complications and maximise the chance of a safe pregnancy and birth for mother and baby.