Endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysm with splenic preservation

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is the commonest visceral artery aneurysm. Surgical or endovascular treatment of SAA may result in loss of most or all of spleen. We present a case of an aneurysm of superior segmental branch of splenic artery, which was successfully treated by sub-selective embolisation of the feeding arterial branch. The splenic function was preserved and hence precluding pneumococcal vaccines and long-term antibiotics.     

The value of MDCT in diagnosis of splenic artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis and planning the treatment of splenic aneurysms. METHODS: Eight cases with splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty four-slice spiral CT scans were performed. Intravenous contrast material was injected at 4ml/s, and arterial and venous phase images were obtained. Subsequently, arterial phase images were analyzed and made for CT angiography. The diagnosis was made by using axial and reconstructive images. All of the patients were also performed Doppler color echocardiography. RESULTS: All patients showed splenic artery and splenic artery aneurysms clearly with CT arterial phase images. Among them, six patients had splenic artery aneurysms, one had giant splenic artery aneurysms (GSAA) and one had splenic artery pseudoaneurysms. Ultrasound examination only diagnosed six of them. CONCLUSION: MDCT is a noninvasive and valuable method in diagnosis of splenic artery aneurysms and has high value in determination of treatment plan.     

Endovascular exclusion of a splenic artery aneurysm using a pipeline embolization device

The Pipeline Embolization Device (ev3 Endovascular Inc, Plymouth, Minnesota) is a new endovascular device designed to exclude suitable intracranial aneurysms. A 56-year-old woman presented with a symptomatic 4.1-cm splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) that was successfully managed with a two-staged treatment plan involving selective segmental splenic artery embolization and subsequent deployment of a Pipeline Embolization Device across the aneurysm neck to exclude the aneurysm and maintain splenic perfusion.     

MSCT血管成像诊断脾动脉瘤伴门静脉高压症的临床价值

目的：分析脾动脉瘤（SAA）合并门静脉高压症的多层螺旋CT血管成像（MSCTA）表现,探讨MSCTA的诊断价值及SAA的形成机制。方法：回顾性分析由MSCT诊断并经原位肝移植术证实的脾动脉瘤合并门脉高压的15例患者的影像资料,应用多平面重组（MPR）、最大密度投影（MIP）和容积再现法（VR）等后处理方法评价脾动脉瘤的特点,对动脉瘤长径与脾动脉主干直径做相关性分析。观察门静脉高压侧支循环通道,判断门体分流的类型。结果：应用MSCT进行血管结构三维重组可明确显示脾动脉瘤。15例SAA中单发7例和多发8例,共25个瘤体,20个为囊袋状,5个为梭形,14个位于脾门区（56％）,8个位于脾动脉主干远段（32%）,其中2个伴瘤体钙化,2个伴瘤体内血栓形成。门静脉血管成像15例均显示食管胃底静脉曲张及脾大,其中4例合并脾肾分流,1例存在胃肾分流,3例伴有附脐静脉开通。动脉瘤长径为1.0～6．2cm（1．93±1．07）cm,脾动脉主干直径为4．4～11．4mm（6．90±1．65）mm,脾动脉瘤大小与脾动脉主干直径之间存在明显相关性（r=0．84,P〈0．001）。结论：MSCTA是一种安全有效的检查手段,能准确显示脾动脉瘤的大小及位置,以及门体分流的类型,具有重要的诊断价值,可做为随访和指导临床治疗的首选方法。     

Endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2000 and June 2003 we treated 11 true SAAs in 9 patients (7 females and 2 males; mean age 58 years), 8 saccular and 3 fusiform, 4 located at the middle tract of the splenic artery, 5 at the distal tract and 2 intra-parenchymal. The diagnosis was performed with colour-Doppler ultrasound and/or CT-angiography; 7 patients were symptomless, 1 had left hypochondriac pain, and 1 had acute abdomen caused by a ruptured SAA. Four SAAs were treated by microcoil embolization of the aneurysmal sac with preservation of splenic artery patency; in 2 cases this was associated with transcatheter injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Four cases were treated by endovascular ligature, with sectoral spleen ischaemia. One ruptured SAA received emergency treatment with splenic artery cyanoacrylate embolization. Two intra-parenchymal SAAs were excluded, one by cyanoacrylate embolization of the afferent artery and the other by transcatheter thrombin injection in the aneurysmal sac. RESULTS: Technical success was observed in all cases (in 10/11 at the end of the procedure; in 1/11 at CT performed 3 days after the procedure). The follow-up (mean 18 months; range 6-36) was performed by colour-Doppler ultrasound and/or CT-angiography 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure and subsequently once a year; the complete exclusion of the aneurysms was confirmed in 11/11 cases. The complications were: 4 cases of mild left pleuritis; fever and left hypochondriac pain 1 day after the procedure (in the same 4 patients and in one other case); 5 cases of sectoral spleen ischaemia and 1 case of diffuse spleen infarction with partial revascularization by collateral vessels. No alteration of the levels of pancreatic enzymes was found; a transitory increase in platelet count occurred only in the patient with diffuse spleen infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Using different techniques, endovascular treatment is feasible in nearly all SAAs. It ensures good immediate and long term results, and no doubt presents some advantages in comparison to surgical treatment, as it is less invasive and allows the preservation of splenic function.     

16层螺旋CT血管成像诊断脾动脉瘤的价值

目的:探讨16层螺旋CT血管成像(16-MSCTA)诊断脾动脉瘤(SAA)的价值。材料和方法:回顾性分析17例SAA的16-MSCTA表现。后处理均采用容积再现法(VR)、表面覆盖法(SSD)、最大密度投影(MIP)、多平面重组(MPR)及曲面重组(CPR)等后处理技术,以VR作为诊断的主要依据,其它重组方法作为补充。结果:17例SAA41个瘤体中,25个位于脾门,15个伴瘤体钙化。单发7例和多发10例。VR、SSD、MIP、MPR及CPR均能显示SAA,以VR显示最佳。结论:16-MSCTA是一种有效的无创的检查手段,能准确地显示脾动脉瘤的存在及病理改变,是诊断和随访脾动脉瘤的首选方法。     

Coil embolization of splenic artery aneurysm with preservation of the parent artery using a neck remodeling technique

We describe a case of a large and wide neck splenic artery aneurysm, treated by coil embolization using a balloon neck remodeling technique. The patency of the splenic artery was preserved without technical complications. This method should be considered as an alternative method for transcatheter management of splenic artery aneurysms.     

Elective Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysms with an Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Agent (Squid) and Detachable Coils

PurposeTo report the safety and efficacy of the embolization of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) with coils plus ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) agent.Materials and MethodsA single-center retrospective study was conducted from 2016 to 2019 to collect SAAs. Twelve asymptomatic patients (mean age, 59 years) with 15 SAAs (mean size, 23.6 mm; size range, 15–40 mm) were treated with embolization. Embolization was performed with EVOH (Squid 8/34) and fibered detachable coils. Transfemoral embolization was performed with a microcatheter to achieve a splenic artery occlusion embolizing the SAA and its efferent and afferent branches. Follow-up was based on color Doppler ultrasound at 24 hours and on computed tomography (CT) angiography at 1 (n = 12) and 6 months (n = 12) after embolization. Mean number of coils and Squid vials used for each patient, major/minor complications, technical success, 30-day clinical success, cases of revascularization/reintervention, and mortality were assessed. Technical success was defined as complete exclusion of the aneurysmal segment and cessation of blood flow into the sac. Clinical success at 1 month was based on the absence of clinical symptoms and the exclusion of aneurysm revascularization on CT angiography.ResultsThe mean number of coils and Squid vials was 5.75 (standard deviation [SD], 1.58; range, 3–9) and 1.41 (SD, 0.49; range, 1–2), respectively. Both technical and 30-day clinical success were 100%, with no cases of aneurysm revascularization (CT angiography performed in all patients at 1 month and 6 months and in 3 patients at 24 months). No major complications or fatal events were recorded. In terms of minor complications, 2 cases of mild pancreatitis (transient amylases increase) and 1 case of focal splenic ischemia without clinical sequelae were recorded.ConclusionsEmbolization in SAAs using coils plus EVOH was safe and effective without SAA revascularization     

Spontaneous isolated celiac and splenic artery dissection with splenic infarction

Spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection is considered an uncommon clinical condition. Rarer still is spontaneous isolated celiac and splenic artery dissection, with a total of 42 reported cases. There is no known definitive cause of visceral artery dissections, but risk factors include male sex, age in 5th or 6th decade, hypertension, and connective tissue disorders. The presentation varies, diagnosis is principally radiographic, and the mainstay of treatment is anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Splenic infarction is a common finding with splenic artery dissection, although the strength of this association has not previously been reported. Herein we present a case of spontaneous isolated celiac and splenic artery dissection with splenic infarction that was successfully managed with blood pressure control and antiplatelet therapy. We review previous literature, principles of diagnosis and management, and incidence and outcomes of splenic infarction as it related to splenic artery dissection.     

Portal hypertension with intra- and extrasplenic arterial aneurysms and large venous varices

Imaging studies of two women with portal hypertension demonstrated multiple splenic artery aneurysms, splenomegaly, and large splenic vein varices with a spontaneous splenorenal shunt. In each case, a large splenic hilar, as well as intrasplenic aneurysms were found along with portal vein pressures of about 15 mmHg. Portal hypertension with splenomegaly might be an important factor in the pathogenesis of intra- and extraparenchymal splenic artery aneurysms.     

Dissezierendes Milzarterienaneurysma bei fibromuskulärer Dysplasie

The case is reported of a 37-year-old medical doctor who was found lifeless in his office. Resuscitation was immediately initiated but was unsuccessful. The autopsy revealed a perforated dissecting aneurysm of the splenic artery on the ground of the bursa omentalis. Histopathological examinations showed fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) to be the cause of the aneurysm of the splenic artery. Although FMD does not usually lead to an aneurysm of the splenic artery, this case places emphasis on the importance of the differential diagnosis relevant to this disease, with regards to a genetic predisposition which has been indicated in several studies.     

Super-selective transcatheter arterial embolization of a traumatic splenic arteriovenous fistula

We report a 61-year-old woman with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of a splenic artery caused by traumatic injury, which was successfully occluded by percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). We embolized the AVF with a coaxial system using six microcoils. This case suggests that super-selective TAE for traumatic AVF of a splenic artery is an effective and primary choice of first treatment. The use of a microcatheter and microcoils is an alternative to surgery.     

脾动脉栓塞在急诊外伤性脾破裂治疗中的应用价值

目的 评价脾动脉栓塞在急诊外伤性脾破裂治疗中的应用价值.方法 采用Seldinger技术经皮穿刺股动脉,经脾动脉造影,根据脾脏受损程度行脾动脉栓塞治疗急诊外伤性脾破裂101例.结果 术后患者均有左上腹轻度胀痛,左侧胸腔积液56例,腹膜后血肿5例,脾脓肿1例,胰腺炎1例,左下肺膨胀不全1例.96例急诊外伤性脾破裂止血效果...     

Hemosuccus pancreaticus: CT manifestations

A case of severe gastrointestinal bleeding due to rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm into the pancreatic duct (hemosuccus pancreaticus) was encountered. Contrast enhanced CT revealed a low-density mass containing an enhancing central area in the pancreatic tail. Arteriography demonstrated a splenic artery aneurysm. Postoperative pathological review revealed a communication between the ruptured splenic artery aneurysm and the pancreatic duct.     

Endovascular Treatment of Aneurysm of Splenic Artery Arising from Splenomesentric Trunk Using Stent Graft

We report a rare case of aneurysm of splenic artery arising anomalously from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The aneurysm was treated successfully by coil embolization of the splenic artery distal to aneurysm and then deploying a stent graft in the SMA. A combination of stent graft and coil embolization for the treatment of aberrant splenic artery aneurysm has been reported only once. We describe the imaging findings and the endovascular procedure in this patient.     

Temporary spontaneous thrombosis of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in chronic pancreatitis during intravenous octreotide administration

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is a well-known and potentially life-threatening complication of pancreatitis for which immediate endovascular or surgical treatment is indicated. An unusual case of spontaneous thrombosis of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm with associated partial splenic infarction was encountered in the setting of chronic pancreatitis during intravenous octreotide administration, with recanalization 9 months later.     

Asymptomatic splenic artery occlusion in a child: incidental detection with Doppler ultrasonography

Splenic arterial occlusion is a rare condition usually presenting with signs that are due to splenic infarction. To the best of our knowledge, splenic artery occlusion without splenic infarction has not been reported in the literature. The case presented here was asymptomatic, except for hypertension. The splenic artery occlusion was detected incidentally during the color Doppler examination of renal arteries that was performed to rule out stenosis as a cause. The striking Doppler finding that led to the final diagnosis was peri-pancreatic multiple tubular structures consistent with collateral flow.     

Endovascular stent graft treatment in a patient with splenic artery aneurysm

Splenic artery aneurysms are rare but important vascular lesions that constitute approximately 60% of all visceral arterial aneurysms. Splenic artery is the third most common localization of intraabdominal aneurysm formation. Rupture is the main complication that occurs in 3%-10% of the cases. We describe a case with a proximal splenic artery aneurysm. To preserve splenic function and reduce the risk of aneurysmal rupture, we used stent-graft to embolize the aneurysm treated percutaneously. The follow up of patient was uneventful after embolization. Endovascular embolization of the splenic artery aneurysm may prevent the need for emergency surgery and also offer an effective alternative surgical treatment.     

Splenic Artery Aneurysm of the Anomalous Splenomesenteric Trunk: Successful Treatment by Transcatheter Embolization Using Detachable Coils

A splenomesenteric trunk, which involves replacing the splenic artery from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), is rare and occurs in less than 1% of patients. We report a case of an aneurysm involving the origin of the splenic artery that anomalously arose from the SMA, and which was successfully treated using Guglielmi detachable coils.     

Congenital absence of the splenic artery

Major angiographic features of congenital absence of the splenic artery are nonvisualization of the splenic artery and filling of the intrasplenic branches via collateral channels. The differential diagnosis of the anomaly includes atherosclerotic occlusion of the splenic artery, splenic artery thrombosis, and previous surgical intervention of the splenic artery. This entity, as seen in one patient, may be a new causative agent in upper gastrointestinal bleeding.