Treatment of visceral artery aneurysms: Retrospective study of 35 cases

Abstract

Background: Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) represent a rare clinical entity with possible life-threatening complications. The presentation, diagnosis and management vary accordingly to the artery involved and the underlying pathology. Patients and methods: During a 25-year period (1980–2005), 35 patients (25 males + 10 females, age range 36–73 years-median 59.2 years) with VAA were treated at two tertiary vascular surgery centers in Belgrade. All data were retrospectively collected from the patient’s records. Results: On presentation, 19/35 patients were symptomatic, and 3/35 had ruptured VAA. Surgery was performed in 28 cases; most commonly involved arteries were splenic (11), hepatic (5), celiac trunk (5), superior mesenteric (3), inferior mesenteric (3) and gastroduodenal (1). Fatal rupture occurred in two patients. In 5 patients abdominal aortic aneurysm was associated with VAA, and in 4 patients multiple aneurysms of the involved artery were noted. Successful embolization was performed in 3 patients. Overall, four patients were treated medically. In the surgically treated patients, perioperative mortality and morbidity were 11% (3/28) and 40% (10/25) respectively. Of 25 patients included in the long-term follow up, six died. Conclusion: Since VAA have considerable tendency to rupture, an active approach is necessary. Based on our experience, surgical treatment could be recommended for any VAA patient with symptoms. In addition, we believe that the choice of the therapeutic procedure should be made on an individual basis.