The endovascular management of splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of the endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) and pseudoaneurysms (SAPAs). From April 2003 to December 2009, 12 patients (mean age 46.8 years, range 29–58) with SAAs ( n = 9) or SAPAs ( n = 3) underwent endovascular treatment. Four patients were asymptomatic and three had ruptured aneurysms. Lesions were in the proximal splenic artery ( n = 3), intermediate splenic artery ( n = 3) and distal splenic artery ( n = 6). Endovascular procedures included embolization by sac packing ( n = 5), sandwich occlusion of the splenic artery ( n = 4) or stent graft deployment ( n = 3). Computed tomography (CT) was done before the operation, 3 and 12 months after the operation, then yearly. Endovascular treatment was successful at the first attempt in all 12 (100%) patients, with complete angiographic exclusion of the aneurysm at the end of the operation. The mean amount of contrast medium used was 165 mL (range 100–230), and the mean total procedure time was 92 minutes (range 55–160). No major complications occurred. Postoperational CT scans showed splenic multisegmental infarcts in eight patients (66.7%, 8/12) and among them postembolization syndrome developed in six patients, manifesting as abdominal pain and fever. The mean follow-up was 32 months (range 9–51). No patient demonstrated gross evidence of aneurysm sac growth, and no significant decrease in aneurysm sac size postintervention was noted on follow-up. The endovascular management of SAAs and SAPAs is safe and effective and may induce less mortality than open surgery. Regardless of the etiology, endovascular treatment can provide excellent mid-term results.