Splanchnic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms: transcatheter embolization

Over the past 7 years, eight patients with splanchnic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms were studied and treated. Transcatheter embolization resulted in occlusion of the lesions in all eight patients. Potentially risky and difficult surgery was avoided completely in four patients. Three patients had elective surgery at a later date when their condition was more stable. The remaining patient had definitive surgery after embolization. Transcatheter embolization should be the initial treatment of choice in splanchnic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.     

Cryptococcal pneumonia in a patient with presumptive sarcoidosis and selective immunoglobulin A deficiency

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown cause associated with impaired T-lymphocyte function and impaired cell-mediated immunity. Decreased cell-mediated immunity predisposes one to intracellular pathogens (eg, cryptococci).     

A quick glance at selected topics in this issue

“A quick glance at selected topics in this issue” aims to highlight selected articles and provide a quick review to the readers.