A case of splenic artery aneurysm and rupture in a patient on a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor for renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pazopanib is a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor that is used in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Post market reports demonstrate an increasing awareness of the association of arterial aneurysms and dissections with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor use, although, few reports exist for pazopanib. CASE: Here we report a 69-year-old patient with minimal cardiovascular risk factors who developed a rupture of a splenic arterial aneurysm after more than 5 years of effective treatment with pazopanib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: This case report outlines the necessity to monitor patients while on pazopanib, even when there are minimal risk factors and long periods of tolerance.