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.     

经导管组织黏合剂结合弹簧圈栓塞脾动脉瘤

目的 探讨采用组织黏合剂NBCA结合弹簧圈经导管栓塞脾动脉瘤的可行性及安全性.方法 3例脾动脉瘤患者,2例位于脾动脉主干,1例位于脾动脉分支.均先经导管置入弹簧圈栓塞载瘤动脉的远端,再以NBCA与碘化油混合物栓塞载瘤动脉的近端包括瘤体.术后采用CT增强扫描随访4~20个月.结果 3例脾动脉瘤均成功栓塞,未出现严重并发症...     

Stent-Graft Repair of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm

We present a case of splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) treated with stent-grafts. This new method offers the benefit of preserving the blood flow through the splenic artery. This in turn allows for subsequent sequential embolization of the spleen when indicated, as in our patient with hypersplenism. This is the first reported case of stent-graft repair of SAA.     

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.     

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 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.     

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。     

多层螺旋CT血管成像在脾动脉瘤诊断中的应用

目的探讨多层螺旋CT血管成像在脾动脉瘤诊断中的应用。方法收集2011年5月～2012年11月我院腹部CT检查中诊断脾动脉瘤的22例患者的资料。采用多平面重组（MPR）、容积再现（VR）、最大密度投影（MIP）及曲面重建（CPR）等处理技术。观察脾动脉类型、走行、与胰腺的关系,观察动脉瘤的类型、位置、形态、大小、数目、瘤壁有无钙化斑块等指标。结果四种后处理方法均检出全部动脉瘤。脾动脉走行于胰腺上方14例,走行于胰腺后方8例,血管类型属分散型者5例,集中型者17例;动脉瘤均为真性动脉瘤,单发多见;位置以脾动脉干多见,形态多为圆形,直径多小于2cm;瘤壁钙化者检出16例,其中12例合并有非钙化斑块。结论多层螺旋CT血管成像能充分显示脾动脉的走行,诊断脾动脉瘤的存在;多种后处理技术能清楚的显示瘤体的特性及瘤腔内外情况,对临床制定下一步治疗方案有重要价值。     

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.     

超选择性动脉栓塞治疗肝脾损伤出血

目的探讨经导管超选择性动脉栓塞治疗肝脾损伤出血的方法、疗效及安全性。方法本组肝损伤出血7例,脾损伤出血11例,采用股动脉穿刺插管技术,将导管超选择性插管至肝或脾动脉出血分支内,缓慢注射明胶海绵颗粒行栓塞治疗。动脉分支有假性动脉瘤形成者4例,在明胶海绵栓塞治疗后以弹簧圈栓塞出血分支近端。术后密切观察患者生命体征、有无再出血征象及术后反应、并发症发生等情况。结果18例均成功实施超选肝脾动脉分支栓塞治疗,术后患者无再出血发生,病情好转。治疗后患者均无明显不良反应,无严重并发症发生。结论超选择性动脉栓塞治疗肝脾损伤出血是一种安全、易行、有效的治疗方法,可尽量避免外科手术,保留了患者的脏器及功能。     

The multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) in the diagnosis of splenic artery aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm

Splenic artery aneurysm is the most frequent visceral artery aneurysm and rupture of the aneurysm is associated with a high mortality rate. It is important to discriminate between a true aneurysm and a pseudoaneurysm that may be caused by pancreatitis, iatrogenic and postoperative causes, trauma and peptic ulcer disease. Multidetector-row CT angiography (MDCTA) allows detailed visualization of the vascular anatomy and may allow identification of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms that affect the splenic artery. The objective of this article is to provide a review of the general characteristics of splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms and to describe the findings of MDCTA.     

脾动脉瘤的超声诊断（附15例报告）

目的探讨超声成像对脾动脉瘤的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析经手术、病理证实的15例脾动脉瘤超声表现。结果 15例术前超声诊断为脾动脉瘤,与CT、手术和病理完全一致,诊断符合率100%。结论超声对于本病的诊断具有较高特异性,检查方便、快捷,是早期确诊或初诊筛选本病的首选检查方法。     

Endovascular management of splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms

Splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are being diagnosed with increasing frequency by modern imaging. The question of appropriate treatment—surgical or endovascular—arises more often. We review our experience and that of others as documented in the literature. The information available suggests that endovascular management of a splenic artery aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm offers a lower complication rate than surgery, but postprocedure imaging to ensure obliteration is recommended.     

Evaluation of the Amplatzer vascular plug for proximal splenic artery embolization

PURPOSE: Proximal splenic artery embolization is performed for splenic salvage in the setting of trauma or before splenectomy in patients with splenomegaly. Typically, this has been done with the use of metallic coils, but precise placement of the first deposited coil may be limited. The Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) may be used to accomplish precise proximal splenic artery embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients had proximal splenic artery embolization performed with the AVP. Thirteen were performed to allow splenic salvage after blunt trauma and one was performed before splenectomy for massive splenomegaly. Devices ranging in diameter from 8 to 12 mm were placed through 5-F or 6-F guiding catheters. Desired AVP location was distal to the dorsal pancreatic artery and proximal to the most peripheral pancreatica magna branch. Test injections of contrast agent were performed after approximately 5 minutes and then at 3-5-minute intervals until occlusion was seen. If this was not noted by 15 minutes, an adjunctive closure method was chosen. Computed tomography (CT) follow-up was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Device placement in the desired location was successful in all cases, with device repositioning required in two. Occlusion took an average of approximately 10 minutes. Additional coils placed in three patients could all be packed into a tight configuration. A second AVP was placed in one patient. There were no complications of the procedures. Follow-up CT images showed no evidence of migration or recanalization of any of the devices. Minimal artifact was noted from the AVP on CT. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary series, use of the AVP allowed for precise proximal splenic artery embolization.     

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.     

Massive extra-enteric gastrointestinal bleeding: angiographic diagnosis.

Two patients with massive gastrointestinal bleeding are reported. One bled from an aneurysm of a branch of the left hepatic artery, the blood reaching the bowel through communication with the biliary tree. The second had an aneurysm of a branch of the splenic artery which communicated with the pancreatic duct. This type of bleeding is intermittent and, consequently, actual extravasation of contrast media is not always seen. Therefore, if one sees an aneurysm of a visceral artery, even if it does not directly supply the enteric tract, one should consider the possibility that it is the origin of the hemorrhage. Pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic implications are discussed.     

Neurovascular Neck-Bridging device in treatment of wide-necked splenic artery aneurysms

We report the cases of 2 female patients, 45-year-old and 49-year-old, affected by wide-necked splenic aneurysm. We embolized the 2 lesions assisted by a new scaffolding neurovascular device, the Cascade Net, an innovative –occlusive remodeling device for temporary bridging in endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Visceral artery aneurysms are rare with an estimated prevalence of 2%-3% in imaging series and up to 10% in autopsy series. Most are asymptomatic and their diagnosis is occasionally. Aneurysm spontaneous rupture has been demonstrated in 2%-10% of cases and it can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Conservative management and open repair were the preferred treatment options for many years. Endovascular repair has been increasingly used since 2000; and the most widespread method of treatment has been coiling. Because of tortuosity of the parent artery, wide neck, and unfavorable locations at arterial branch points, 6% of Visceral and renal artery aneurysms VRAA cannot be adequately treated by simple coiling and requires parent artery remodeling through balloon occlusion, stent placement or parent vessel occlusion, leading to, in the latter situation, a compromised organ perfusion. Increasingly, balloon-assisted, and stent-assisted approaches as well as novel scaffolding neurovascular devices such as the Cascade Net, have allowed wide necked aneurysms to be bridged during endovascular treatment with smaller delivery system, averting parent artery occlusion and risk of distal embolization.     

Splenic arterial aneurysm rupturing into the splenic vein. A rare cause of acute fortal hypertension in the post-partum period (author's transl)

Following the sudden onset of a clinical syndrome of acute portal hypertension in a young woman in the course of childbirth, angiography revealed a voluminous aneurysm of the splenic artery rupture into the splenic vein. Surgical treatment was successful. The authors review the main characteristics of splenic arterio-venous fistulae and discuss the physiopathological problems of portal hypertension associated with such lesions.     

Endovascular management of pseudoaneurysms of the splenic artery: experience with six patients

The purpose of this paper was to describe our experience with the endovascular management of splenic artery pseudoaneurysms (SAPA). Seven patients with documented SAPA on CT and/or angiography were considered for endovascular treatment. The pseudoaneurysms were located in the main splenic artery (n = 4) or its branches (n = 3). In one patient in whom the pseudoaneurysm was located in a hilar branch, selective catheterization of splenic artery failed. Metallic coils (n = 1), gelfoam and hydrogel particles (n = 1), metallic coils and gelfoam (n = 2), metallic coil, gelfoam and acrylic glue (n = 2) were used as embolization material in the remaining six patients. These patients were followed for a mean period of 11.3 months. Transcatheter embolization was successful in five patients with no procedure-related complications. In one patient, embolization was incomplete and the patient underwent surgery, but died on the 10th postoperative day because of irreversible shock. Another patient, after successful embolization, underwent surgery for management of an associated pseudocyst. Endovascular treatment is a safe and effective method of management of SAPA.     

Tortuosity and calcification of the splenic artery. More than an additional finding

Tortuosity of the splenic artery and calcification of the vessel wall are typical additional findings on plain abdominal x-ray. The combination of both anomalies is common in elderly persons presenting without symptoms of splenic ischemia. Its pathogenesis is thought to be multifactorial. In infancy and childhood, the splenic artery is stretched in its entire course. A growing difference between the length of the vessel and the distance between its origin and the splenic hilum gives rise to tortuosity. The artery's proximal segment is involved more frequently and more severely than the distal one. The tortuous route of the vessel is accentuated by the direction of its major branches, which is roughly perpendicular to the main trajectory. Neither tortuosity nor calcification should be taken to be risk factors for the comparatively common splenic artery aneurysm. Calcific deposits are not confined to the media but are also detected in the intima of the vascular wall. Critical narrowings of the lumen arising on the calcium deposits are not observed. Calcifying atherosclerosis of the splenic artery is comparable to medial sclerosis of the peripheral arteries frequently noticed in diabetics and dialysis patients. Only the less important calcification of the intima may be attributed to mechanisms of the hydrohemodynamic theory of atherosclerosis. The spleen's blood storage capacity may contribute to the characteristic age-dependent alterations of the shape and course of the splenic artery.