Middle Rectal Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Case of Massive Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Managed With Coil Embolization

Abstract

Pseudoaneurysms of the middle rectal artery are rare. When encountered, these have the potential for significant morbidity and mortality due to bleeding and potential rupture. Endovascular embolization is a feasible option in the management of these pseudoaneurysms. The present report describes a case of a 43year-old male presenting with hemorrhagic shock secondary to lower gastrointestinal bleeding one day after undergoing excision of an external perineal condyloma, incision and drainage of a perirectal abscess, and biopsy of a perianal mass. Angiographic imaging revealed a right middle rectal artery pseudoaneurysm. Selective embolization of the right middle rectal artery and bilateral superior rectal arteries was successfully performed. At the two-week post-embolization follow-up, hemoglobin was stable, and the patient reported normal bowel movements with no episodes of bleeding per rectum.