Inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm: A complication of paracentesis

E. Y. Lam, R. B. McLafferty, Jr Taylor, G. L. Moneta, J. M. Edwards, R. E. Barton, B. Petersen, J. M. Porter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two patients had inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysms after therapeutic paracentesis for ascites caused by portal hypertension. The first patient, a 62-year-old man, had a two-week history of left lower quadrant pain, tenderness, and nonpulsatile mass after a paracentesis for ascites. A left inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm measuring 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm in length was diagnosed by means of Duplex ultrasound and arteriography. The patient was treated with percutaneous embolization, with successful thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm. The second patient, a 33-year- old woman, had a six-week history of left lower quadrant pain, tenderness, and nonpulsatile mass after a paracentesis for ascites. Computerized tomography and arteriography showed a left inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm, measuring 7 cm in diameter and 9 cm in length. The patient was treated with percutaneous embolization with successful thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm. Both patients were discharged in good condition 2 days after embolization. Inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm is a complication of paracentesis, and percutaneous embolization may be preferable to surgical repair in patients with chronic liver failure and portal hypertension.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)566-569
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of vascular surgery
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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