Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report on splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) treated by transcatheter embolization in our single-center institution and to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with SAA by aneurysm location. MATERIALS AND METHODS The original medical records and imaging results of 52 patients with SAA treated in our center between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2013 were reviewed. Of these cases, 7 patients (13.5%) underwent surgery, 4 patients (7.5%) underwent serial observation, and 1 patient had stent insertion only, leaving 40 patients (78.9%) who underwent endovascular treatment using a coil, with or without N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. RESULTS Aneurysms were located in the distal third of the splenic artery in 27 patients (67.5%), in the middle third in 9 cases (22.5%), and in the proximal third in 4 cases (10%). Of the 40 included patients, 25 were female (62.5%). Twenty-eight patients (70%) were asymptomatic. The mean aneurysm diameter was 2.48 cm (range, 0.8-6.0 cm). Complications involved pancreatitis (n=1) and early spleen infarction (n=29: <1/3 in 14, 1/3-2/3 in 10, and >2/3 in 5). Postembolization syndrome was noted in 26 patients (65%). There were no significant differences by aneurysm location in the postoperative increase in the values of white blood cells, amylase, lipase, and C-reactive protein (P=0.067, P=0.881, P=0.891, and P=0.188, respectively). CONCLUSION At our institution, endovascular management is safe, has high technical success, and represents the first-line treatment for SAA, regardless of aneurysm location.