Review spontaneous superior mesenteric artery aneurysm rupture following caesarean section: an uncommon event and review of current literature

Pregnancy-related rupture of an arterial aneurysm is an unusual occurrence associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Splenic artery aneurysms are the most common (60%), followed by hepatic (20%), superior mesenteric (5.9%), coeliac (4%), ovarian, uterine, and renal (<2%) arteries during pregnancy. Rupture of the superior mesenteric artery is uncommon. We present a case of a maternal death occurring after spontaneous rupture of a superior mesenteric artery after caesarean section. On the third day of post-operation, the woman presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain and collapse. At laparotomy she was found to have massive intraperitoneal bleeding because of superior mesenteric artery rupture.

We report this case to increase awareness of superior mesenteric artery rupture during pregnancy, even during the postpartum period in patients presenting to the emergency service with haemorrhagic shock.