Acute gastric dilatation causing bacterial cerebral aneurysm--case report.

OBJECTIVE: Acute gastric dilatation (AGD) is a very rare entity which can sometimes be life-threatening. We report a case of a patient presenting with a rupture of a BCA during the treatment of AGD.

METHOD: A 24-year-old woman, who had a history of bulimia and vomiting episodes, was transferred in shock with marked abdominal distension. A large nasogastric tube was inserted, and 9 liters of viscous gastric contents were drained out. Her circulation became stable.

RESULTS: About 3 months after admission, she became drowsy and presented with a right hemiparesis and aphasia. Computed tomography of the head showed a diffuse thick subarachnoid hemorrhage. Left carotid angiograms revealed an obscurely-shaped aneurysm in the left middle cerebral artery.

CONCLUSION: Trapping of the aneurysm was performed. Thirty-four days after admission, the patient had a residual right hemiparesis and motor aphasia, and was discharged.