Use of CAT scanning in the diagnosis and management of hepatic artery aneurysm

Hepatic artery aneurysms occur infrequently and are often difficult to diagnose. Non-invasive procedures such as ultrasound or computer assisted tomography have not been considered suitable for definitive diagnosis and angiography is usually required. A patient is described in whom a mycotic hepatic artery aneurysm developed during the course of subacute bacterial endocarditis. The definitive diagnosis was made using computer assisted tomography with intravenous contrast enhancement and angiography was undertaken only as a prelude to transcatheter embolisation. The same technique was used to monitor progress after embolisation precluding the need for follow up angiography. As 80% of patients with hepatic artery aneurysm present for the first time after aneurysm rupture, the mortality associated with this condition is high. More widespread use of intravenous contrast enhanced tomography for abdominal examination in patients with unexplained abdominal pain might result in earlier diagnosis of this condition.