Splenic Artery Embolization after Delayed Splenic Rupture Following Blunt Trauma: Is Nonoperative Management Still an Option in This Cohort?

Patients treated with splenic artery embolization (SAE) >48 hours after a blunt injury for a delayed splenic rupture (DSR) were assessed for the need for a subsequent splenectomy. Thirty-four patients underwent SAE for DSR over 10 years at our level 1 trauma center, performed at a median of 4.5 days after the injury (interquartile range = 5.5), and the patients were followed up for a median of 11 months (interquartile range = 31). There were 3 occurrences of rebleeds, and 2 patients required splenectomy (5.9%). This study showed that treatment with SAE after DSR results in splenic salvage in 94.1% of patients.     

Coil Embolization of the Splenic Artery: Impact on Splenic Volume

PurposeTo determine the impact of coil embolization of the splenic artery on splenic volume based on computed tomography (CT) imaging.Materials and MethodsSplenic artery embolization (SAE) was performed in 148 consecutive patients over an 8-year period in an institutional review board–approved retrospective study. Of these, 60 patients (36 men; mean age, 49 y) had undergone contrast-enhanced CT before and after SAE with a mean time interval of 355 days. Pre- and postembolization splenic volumes were calculated with volume-rendering software. Presence of Howell–Jolly bodies was ascertained on laboratory tests. A trauma control group consisted of 39 patients with splenic laceration and follow-up CT but no splenic intervention.ResultsSAE in trauma patients resulted in an insignificant decrease in mean spleen size from 224 cm³ to 190 cm³ (P = .222). However, postembolization splenic volume was significantly smaller than follow-up volume in the trauma control group (353 cm³; P < .001). In nontrauma patients, the mean splenic volume decreased from 474 cm³ to 399 cm³ after SAE (P = .068). Multivariable analysis revealed that coil pack location was the only factor significantly affecting resultant splenic volume (P = .016). For trauma and nontrauma patients, distal embolization resulted in significant splenic volume loss (P = .034 and P = .013), whereas proximal embolization did not. No patients had persistent circulating Howell–Jolly bodies after SAE. No patients required repeat embolization or splenectomy.ConclusionsCoil embolization of the splenic artery resulted in a modest but significant decrease in splenic volume when performed distally; proximal embolization resulted in an insignificant volume change.     

Splenic Artery Embolization for Unstable Patients with Splenic Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PurposeTo compare the outcomes of splenic artery embolization (SAE) for acute splenic injury (ASI) between patients who are hemodynamically stable (HDS) and hemodynamically unstable (HDU). Nonoperative management with SAE has become an accepted practice for patients who are HDS with ASI; however, SAE for the treatment of patients who are HDU with ASI has not been well studied.Materials and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed, including 52 patients who were HDU and HDS who underwent SAE for ASI at a Level 1 trauma center. HDU was defined as the lowest recorded systolic blood pressure prior to intervention <90 mm Hg. Utilizing the American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) splenic injury scale, AAST Grades 1–3 were defined as low grade, and Grades 4–5 were defined as high grade. The primary outcomes were survival at 30 days and the need for subsequent splenectomy.ResultsSeventy-five percent (n = 39) of the patients were HDS, and 25% (n = 13) were HDU. The majority (69%) of patients who were HDU who underwent SAE did not require splenectomy, compared with 95% of patients who were HDS (P = .03). No significant difference in 30-day survival between patients who were HDU and HDS was noted. No major adverse events were recorded. There was no significant difference in 30-day patient survival or the rate of subsequent splenectomy between high-grade and low-grade splenic injuries.ConclusionsIn this retrospective cohort study, there was no statistically significant difference in the adverse events or 30-day post-SAE survival rates between patients who were HDS and HDU with ASI. The authors conclude that SAE can be a safe and effective treatment option for patients who are HDU with ASI, including high-grade splenic injury.     

Transcatheter Embolization for Delayed Hemorrhage Caused by Blunt Splenic Trauma

Although the exact benefit of adjunctive splenic artery embolization (SAE) in the nonoperative management (NOM) of patients with blunt splenic trauma has been debated, the role of transcatheter embolization in delayed splenic hemorrhage is rarely addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of SAE in the management of patients who presented at least 3 days after initial splenic trauma with delayed hemorrhage. During a 24-month period 4 patients (all male; ages 19–49 years) presented with acute onset of pain 5–70 days after blunt trauma to the left upper quadrant. Two had known splenic injuries that had been managed nonoperatively. All had computed axial tomography evidence of active splenic hemorrhage or false aneurysm on representation. All underwent successful SAE. Follow-up ranged from 28 to 370 days. These cases and a review of the literature indicate that SAE is safe and effective for NOM failure caused by delayed manifestations of splenic arterial injury.     

Transcatheter Coil Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysm

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results and technical problems of transcatheter coil embolization for splenic artery aneurysm. Subjects were 16 patients (8 men, 8 women; age range, 40-80 years) who underwent transcatheter embolization for splenic artery aneurysm (14 true aneurysms, 2 false aneurysms) at one of our hospitals during the period January 1997 through July 2005. Two aneurysms (12.5%) were diagnosed at the time of rupture. Multiple splenic aneurysms were found in seven patients. Aneurysms were classified by site as proximal (or strictly ostial) (n = 3), middle (n = 3), or hilar (n = 10). The indication for transcatheter arterial embolization was a false or true aneurysm 20 mm in diameter. Embolic materials were fibered coils and interlocking detachable coils. Embolization was performed by the isolation technique, the packing technique, or both. Technically, all aneurysms were devascularized without severe complications. Embolized aneurysms were 6–40 mm in diameter (mean, 25 mm). Overall, the primary technical success rate was 88% (14 of 16 patients). In the remaining 2 patients (12.5%), partial recanalization occurred, and re-embolization was performed. The secondary technical success rate was 100%. Seven (44%) of the 16 study patients suffered partial splenic infarction. Intrasplenic branching originating from the aneurysm was observed in five patients. We conclude that transcatheter coil embolization should be the initial treatment of choice for splenic artery aneurysm.     

Immune Function After Splenic Artery Embolization for Blunt Trauma: Long-Term Assessment of CD27+ IgM B-Cell Levels

Splenic artery embolization (SAE) plays a critical role in the treatment of high-grade splenic injury not requiring emergent laparotomy. SAE preserves splenic tissue, and growing evidence demonstrates preserved short-term splenic immune function after SAE. However, long-term function is less studied. Patients who underwent SAE for blunt abdominal trauma over a 10-year period were contacted for long-term follow-up. Sixteen participants (sex: women, 10, and men, 6; age: median, 34 years, and range, 18–67 years) were followed up at a median of 7.7 years (range, 4.7–12.8 years) after embolization. Splenic lacerations were of American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grades III to V, and 14 procedures involved proximal embolization. All individuals had measurable levels of IgM memory B cells (median, 14.30 as %B cells), splenic tissue present on ultrasound (median, 122 mL), and no history of severe infection since SAE. In conclusion, this study quantitatively demonstrated that long-term immune function remains after SAE for blunt abdominal trauma based on the IgM memory B cell levels.     

脾动脉栓塞后上消化道出血分析

目的探讨脾动脉栓塞后上消化道出血的可能原因。方法对43例肝癌合并肝硬化门脉高压患者采用肝动脉化疗栓塞及脾动脉栓塞,脾实质栓塞面积为30%～60%左右。结果7例患者栓塞后在1～3d出现上消化道出血,均为轻度。结论脾动脉栓塞能有效的降低门脉压力,缓解脾功能亢进。但在少数情况下可能导致上消化道出血。     

Cost Effectiveness of Splenic Artery Embolization versus Splenectomy after Trauma in the Netherlands

PurposeTo demonstrate that splenic artery embolization (SAE) is more cost-effective than splenectomy from a societal perspective in the Netherlands.Materials and MethodsPatient-level data obtained from the SPLENIQ study were used to populate a health economic model and were supplemented with expert opinion when necessary. Propensity score matching was used to correct for baseline differences in injury severity scores. The health economic model consisted of 3 health states (complications after intervention, SAE failure, and recovery) and a dead state. Model outcomes were incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental costs of SAE over splenectomy. The Dutch health economic guidelines were followed. The model used a lifetime time horizon. Uncertainty was assessed using probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analyses.ResultsPatients undergoing SAE had a higher life expectancy than patients undergoing splenectomy. Incremental QALYs were 3.1 (mostly explained by difference in life expectancy), and incremental costs were €34,135 (explained by costs related to medical consumption and lost productivity in additional life years), leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €11,010 per QALY. SAE was considered cost-effective in >95% of iterations using a threshold of €20,000 per QALY.ConclusionsSAE results in more QALYs than splenectomy. Intervention costs for SAE are lower than that for splenectomy, but medical consumption and productivity costs in later years are higher for SAE due to better survival. SAE was found to be cost-effective compared with splenectomy under appropriate Dutch cost-effectiveness thresholds.     

The Impact of Uterine Artery Embolization on Ovarian Function

Soon after the introduction of uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a treatment for fibroid tumors, questions arose regarding its potential impact on ovarian function. The onset of amenorrhea caused by ovarian failure after UAE was reported, and occlusion of ovarian arterial supply via uterine–arterial communications was suspected as the mechanism. Despite that, premature induction of menopause after UAE remains very infrequent. Perhaps of greater concern is a subclinical diminution of ovarian functional reserve. Data from randomized trials and prospective case series suggest that degradation of ovarian function may occur after UAE, but is concentrated in women older than age 45 years, with little evidence of an impact in women younger than 40 years of age. This review is intended to summarize current knowledge regarding the impact of UAE on ovarian reserve and the induction of menopause.     

脾动脉栓塞治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜的临床观察

目的 回顾性分析脾动脉栓塞治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜的临床疗效.方法 选择41例特发性血小板减少性紫癜内科用药无效情况下,采用Seldinger技术经右侧股动脉穿刺插管到脾动脉进行部分脾动脉栓塞,栓塞面积约80%左右.并于术后3 d、1周、2周、1个月及对显效病例行3个月、半年、1年及2年复查血常规,并了解栓塞的疗效.结果 术后1月血小板平均计数(210±50)×109/L,术后2年血小板平均计数(165±80)×109/L.术后显效27例占66%、良效8例占20%、进步3例占7%、无效3例占7%.结论 部分脾动脉栓塞治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜有一定疗效.     

Impact of Portal Hypertension on Adverse Events after Splenic Arterial Aneurysm Embolization

PurposeTo evaluate the outcomes of splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) embolization and compare adverse event (AE) rates after embolization in patients with and without portal hypertension (PHTN).Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of all patients who underwent embolization of SAAs at 2 institutions was performed (34 patients from institution 1 and 7 patients from institution 2). Baseline demographic characteristics, preprocedural imaging, procedural techniques, and postprocedural outcomes were evaluated. Thirty-day postprocedural severe and life-threatening AEs were evaluated using the Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. Thirty-day mortality and readmission rates were also evaluated. t test, χ² test, and/or Fisher exact test were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without PHTN in the location, number, and size of SAA(s). All procedures were technically successful. There were 13 (32%) patients with and 28 (68%) patients without PHTN. The 30-day mortality rate (31% vs 0%; P = .007), readmission rates (61% vs 7%; P < .001), and severe/life-threatening AE rates (69% vs 0%; P < .001) were significantly higher in patients with PHTN than in those without PHTN.ConclusionsThere was a significantly higher mortality and severe/life-threatening AE rate in patients with PHTN than in those without PHTN. SAAs in patients with PHTN need to be managed very cautiously, given the risk of severe/life-threatening AEs after embolization.     

Recanalization of Splenic Artery Aneurysm After Transcatheter Arterial Embolization Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

A 65-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as having microscopic polyangiitis developed sudden abdominal pain and entered a state of shock. Abdominal CT showed massive hemoperitoneum, and emergent angiography revealed a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. After direct catheterization attempts failed due to tortuous vessels and angiospasm, transcatheter arterial embolization using an n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-lipiodol mixture was successfully performed. Fifty days later, the patient developed sudden abdominal pain again. Repeated angiography demonstrated recanalization of the splenic artery and splenic artery aneurysm. This time, the recanalized aneurysm was embolized using metallic coils with the isolation method. Physicians should keep in mind that recanalization can occur after transcatheter arterial embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate, which has been used as a permanent embolic agent.     

Transcatheter Embolization of Splenic Artery Pseudo-Aneurysm Rupturing into Colon After Post-Operative Pancreatitis

Splenic pseudoaneurysms following chronic pancreatitis can rarely become a source of life-threatening bleeding by rupturing into various regions or components, including pseudocysts, the abdominal cavity, the gastrointestinal tract, and the pancreatic duct. In such cases, prompt diagnosis and therapy are warranted. We report herein the case of a 52-year-old man in whom a splenic pseudoaneurysm ruptured into the colon via a fistula with an abscess cavity, causing massive bleeding, which was successfully managed by trans-catheter arterial embolization (TAE).     

医源性肾损伤超选择性肾动脉栓塞的临床疗效及相关因素分析

目的 探讨影响超选择性肾动脉栓塞术治疗医源性肾损伤的临床疗效及预后的相关因素.方法 10例医源性肾损伤患者,均为男性,平均年龄47.4岁.术后发病时间最长60天,最短l天,平均3天.临床均表现为肉眼血尿,其中9例经皮肾镜取石术后,1例为肾病经皮穿刺活检术后.经CT检查见肾实质出现征象,行统一标准的肾脏数字血管造影,表现为对比剂外溢或动静脉瘘,明确出血血管后,行超选择性肾动脉栓塞.术前1天和术后5天分别检测肾功能,并行配对t检验.结果 10例患者均成功进行损伤靶血管的栓塞术,9例表现为对比剂外溢征象,1例表现为动静脉瘘;9例为下极动脉,1例为上极动脉.栓塞后即刻造影,责任动脉未见对比剂外溢或静脉早现.术后随访1～24个月,无再发肉眼血尿,栓塞术后肉眼血尿消失时间最长者7天,最短1天,平均2.2天.肾功能较术前显著改善(P=0.03),无严重并发症.结论 超选择肾动脉栓塞术治疗医源性肾损伤出血安全、有效.     

Selective Uterine Artery Embolization for Management of Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition of pregnancy and may be very dangerous if not identified and treated urgently. We report a case of successful treatment of an interstitial pregnancy using selective uterine artery embolization. A 27-year-old woman with interstitial pregnancy was treated by uterine artery embolization after failure of systemic methotrexate treatment. Her serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was undetectable one month after the therapeutic embolization and transvaginal sonography 31 days after embolization showed normal endometrium and cornu. The patient achieved a normal pregnancy eight months after embolization.