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Clinical and pathological analysis of hepatic artery aneurysm in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Report of a case

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Abstract

A hepatic artery aneurysm is an unusual but life-threatening hepatobiliary complication occurring in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and early diagnosis and treatment of this complication are essential. A 31-year-old man with SLE presented with recurring epigastric pain and jaundice for 2 months; he was diagnosed with choledocholithiasis and underwent surgery. Hemobilia was found intraoperatively, and two hepatic artery aneurysms were identified in the left lateral lobe during postoperative arteriography. Major hemobilia occurred 6 days after the operation, and the patient was immediately treated with selective embolization of the hepatic artery. However, the major hemobilia recurred 2 days later, and he was treated with a left lateral lobectomy and ligation of the proximal hepatic artery. The patient recovered uneventfully and is in good condition. A histological analysis revealed small- and medium-sized arteritis as well as hepatic artery aneurysm. Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by a hepatic artery aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients showing symptoms of abdominal pain, jaundice, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Liu, C., Tang, QB., Zeng, H. et al. Clinical and pathological analysis of hepatic artery aneurysm in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Report of a case. Surg Today 41, 1571–1574 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-010-4470-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-010-4470-2

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