[Recurrent hematemesis and hemobilia in ruptured hepatic artery aneurysm--differential diagnostic aspects of acute, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage].

Abstract

Aneurysms of the hepatic artery are mostly localized extra hepatic (80%). Today atherosclerosis is the most prevalent etiology (32%), followed by trauma (22%) and inflammatory lesions (10%). Rupture or perforation of the aneurysm is the initial clinical manifestation (60-80%), and occurs with nearly equal frequency into the peritoneal cavity and into the hepatobiliary tract. Rupture into bile ducts is often responsible for characteristic findings of upper gastrointestinal bleedings with hematemesis. The case of a 38 year-old man is presented and the clinical manifestation, the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are demonstrated.