Splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms: clinical distinctions and CT appearances

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysms of the splenic artery are being diagnosed with greater frequency as incidental findings on cross-sectional imaging. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are even more rare than true aneurysms. This article reviews the clinical features and management of splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. A variety of cases are presented to show the range of CT appearances. CONCLUSION: Radiologists who identify either type of splenic artery lesion should recognize the clinical and pathophysiologic distinctions between these two forms of splenic vascular pathology and understand the differences in management.