Fatal spontaneous rupture of splenic artery aneurysm in third trimester pregnancy
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
Introduction: Unforeseen emergency in late pregnancy can be catastrophic and cause unexpected maternal and foetal demise. Moreover, lack of awareness and failure of prompt treatment raise mortality rate. Such fatalities warrant a forensic autopsy as it may raise redundant medico-legal concerns. Case Report: We report a case that revealed significant intra-abdominal haemorrhage at autopsy. The source of haemorrhage was at the spleen hilum and histology established rupture of splenic artery aneurysm. There was no associated obstetric cause found. Conclusion: Knowledge of spontaneous rupture of splenic artery aneurysm in late pregnancy is essential for monitoring maternal and foetal, morbidity and mortality. However, in the eventuality of death a comprehensive forensic autopsy is the only investigation to recognise such calamity and clear clinical confusion.
Keywords
Spontaneous rupture, splenic artery aneurysm, late pregnancy, haemoperitoneum, forensic autopsy
Publication Title
Malaysian Journal of Pathology
Divisions
fac_med
Volume
40
Issue
3
Publisher
College of Pathologists, Academy of Medicine Malaysia