Case Report
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World J Gastrointest Surg. Sep 27, 2010; 2(9): 291-294
Published online Sep 27, 2010. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v2.i9.291
Gastroduodenal artery aneurysm rupture in hospitalized patients: An overlooked diagnosis
Kassem Harris, Michel Chalhoub, Ashish Koirala
Kassem Harris, Michel Chalhoub, Pulmonary/Critical Care Department, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, New York, NY 10305, United States
Ashish Koirala, Internal Medicine Department, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, New York, NY 10305, United States
Author contributions: Harris K wrote the paper; Harris K, Chalhoub M and Koirala A performed the research.
Correspondence to: Kassem Harris, MD, Pulmonary/Critical Care Department, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Ave, Staten Island, New York, NY 10305, United States. kassemharris@gmail.com
Telephone: +1-646-3793219 Fax: +1-718-2261986
Received: March 11, 2010
Revised: September 15, 2010
Accepted: September 22, 2010
Published online: September 27, 2010
Abstract

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm rupture is a rare serious condition. The diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion with specific attention to warning signs. Early diagnosis can prevent fatal outcomes. In this report, we describe a case of GDA aneurysm rupture presenting as recurrent syncope and atypical back and abdominal discomfort. The rupture manifested as hemorrhagic shock. The diagnosis was made by computed tomography of the abdomen which showed acute peritoneal and retroperitoneal bleeding. Angiographic intervention failed to coil the GDA and surgery with arterial ligation was the definitive treatment.

Keywords: Gastroduodenal, Hemorrhage, Life-threatening, Embolization, Surgery