[Possible Segmental Arterial Mediolysis Associated with Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage in the Acute Stage of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage:A Case Report].

ABSTRACT

Segmental arterial mediolysis(SAM)is a rare non-inflammatory and non-atherosclerotic arteriopathy associated with the occurrence of multiple aneurysms such as intracranial and intraperitoneal aneurysms. We report a case of intraperitoneal hemorrhage that occurred during the acute stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). An 82-year-old woman presented with a sudden onset of loss of consciousness with a diagnosis of SAH. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated two consecutive vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms. The larger aneurysm, which seemed to be ruptured, was successfully treated by coil embolization. On the 9th day after the onset of SAH, she developed aphasia secondary to the cerebral vasospasm. After selective intra-arterial infusion of fasudil hydrochloride, she was observed to maintain elevated systolic blood pressure. Her aphasia improved; however, on the 14th day, she suddenly developed hemorrhagic shock. An abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrated intraperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured fusiform aneurysm of the right gastroepiploic artery. The lesion was successfully treated by coil embolization, although she became bedridden. Although a histopathological examination was not performed, her clinical, radiological, and serological presentation met the criteria of the clinical diagnosis of SAM. Elevated systolic blood pressure and excessive release of catecholamines in the acute stage of SAH might have caused the intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Non-saccular ruptured intracranial aneurysms should be considered among the differential diagnoses of SAM. In such cases, identifying and monitoring intraperitoneal aneurysms might be useful for earlier diagnosis and treatment of SAM, especially in the acute stage after SAH.