Giant aneurysm of the splenic artery--a case report

Giant aneurysms of the splenic artery larger than 10 cm are rare. The size of splenic aneurysms rarely exceeds 3 cm. Aneurysms that are often symptomatic because of their size must be treated rapidly before rupture. An etiologic and diagnostic evaluation with computed tomography and selective angiography of the visceral arteries is essential before treatment. Operative indication is imperative for these aneurysms. Their mass with portal compression and dense adhesions to adjacent organs allow only aneurysmal exclusion by proximal and distal ligation with preservation of the spleen. The control of the proximal splenic artery is often difficult, justifying the choice of the surgical access. A case of surgically treated giant splenic artery aneurysm associated with right benign renal lesion is presented with a review of the literature on this subject.

[Distension of the digestive tract. A pathology caused by altitude?]

A rare manifestation of digestive tract distension involving all the cavities was observed in a patient who had journeyed at high altitude. There was no organic obstruction suggesting that the increase in organ volume was related to decreased atmospheric pressure according to Maiotte's law. Distension may have been favoured by the diminished abdominal muscle tone, resulting in a lack of adaptation. Dilatation was predominant in the large organs, particularly the stomach and the colon.