Rupture of splenic artery aneurysm in a pregnant patient with portal hypertension

The rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm in pregnancy is a rare emergency. As our case illustrates, immediate laparotomy often cannot prevent the fatal outcome. Pregnancies with portal hypertension are at increased risk, and therefore screening for splenic artery aneurysm is recommended, if possible, before conception. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1996;174:1665-6.)