Fatal splenic artery aneurysm rupture at medicolegal autopsy: A case series and review of the literature.
Burak Karip, Muhammed Fatih Yaman, Hüseyin Çağrı Şahin et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
This case series examines six instances of fatal splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) rupture, highlighting the nonspecific clinical presentations that led to diagnostic delays. Notably, fatal hemorrhage occurred in aneurysms ranging from 3 to 12 cm, indicating that smaller aneurysms can also be lethal. Histochemical evaluation with Elastic Verhoeff-Van Gieson staining confirmed the diagnosis of spontaneous degenerative rupture, emphasizing the need for thorough forensic investigation.
What made this case unusual
The case series revealed a size-rupture paradox, where fatal hemorrhage occurred in both small and large aneurysms, challenging the assumption that larger sizes are always more dangerous.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that splenic artery aneurysms can present with nonspecific symptoms and that even small aneurysms may lead to fatal ruptures.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of integrating meticulous histochemical evaluations in forensic autopsies to accurately determine the cause of death in cases of unexplained hemoperitoneum.