Multimodal Imaging of an Atherosclerotic Splenic Artery Aneurysm Enables Endovascular Treatment of a Potentially Lethal Entity

Abstract

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are the third most frequent site of intraabdominal aneurysm and the most frequent splanchnic artery aneurysm. Surgery may be morbid and may include splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. True aneurysm needs differentiation from a pseudoaneurysm caused by pancreatic enzymatic destruction. A giant SAA was diagnosed in an elderly atherosclerotic male with chronic calcific pancreatitis. Layered thrombus on multimodal imaging ruled out enzyme action and excluded possibility of a pseudoaneurysm. The distal splenic artery beyond the aneurysm was collateralized by left gastric artery. The aneurysm was closed with multiple coils and a vascular plug. Imaging after 6 months confirmed complete closure. Endovascular closure of SAA needs strategies to avoid an endoleak from the distal splenic artery. Pseudoaneurysm of splenic artery should be excluded, as they do not respond to the same strategies applied for true atherosclerotic aneurysms.