Anomalous splenic artery aneurysm

Abstract

Aneurysms of the splenic artery are the most common visceral aneurysm. A splenomesenteric trunk, which involves the splenic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), is rare and occurs in less than 1% of patients. Thus splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) with an anomalous origin from the SMA are quite rare. We report our experience with the surgical management of a 2.6-cm aneurysm involving a splenic artery arising from the SMA in a 40-year-old woman. This was treated with surgical resection with preservation of the spleen. A discussion about SAAs and the management of aneurysms arising from a splenomesenteric trunk follows.