Q: The third most common aneurysm within the abdomen after aortic and iliac arteries is of? 

A) Renal artery 
B) Splenic artery 
C) Superior mesenteric artery 
D) Pancreaticoduodenal artery 
E) Common hepatic artery 


Answer: B 

Splenic artery aneurysms are the third most common aneurysms within the abdomen followed after the aortic aneurysm and iliac arteries aneurysm. This is an important clinical pearl as rupture of splenic artery carries a high mortality rate. Particular attention should be paid if a patient with portal hypertension c/o Left upper quadrant pain. Also, pregnant patients with an underlying liver disease are also prone to splenic artery aneurysm.


References: 

1. Čolović R, Čolović N, Grubor N, Kaitović M. - [Symptomatic calcified splenic artery aneurysm: case report]. Srp Arh Celok Lek 2010; 138:760. 

2.Rahmoune FC, Aya G, Biard M, et al.  Splenic artery aneurysm rupture in late pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 2011; 30:156.