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.