Single-Center Experience with Elective Transcatheter Coil Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysms: Technique and Midterm Follow-up

Abstract

PurposeTo review a single-center experience with elective coil embolization of splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) and analyze efficacy of the technique at midterm follow-up. Materials and MethodsFrom 2002 through 2011, 50 patients (28 women, 22 men; age range, 24–89 y; mean age, 53.5 y ± 13.6) underwent transcatheter coil embolization for treatment of SAAs. Pseudoaneurysms and ruptured aneurysms were excluded. A total of 63 SAAs were treated (size, 13–97 mm; mean, 29 mm). Ninety-eight percent of aneurysms were treated with coils alone. Regular follow-up consisted of an office visit and imaging. Patient medical records were reviewed for aneurysm location, procedural approach, and technical and clinical outcomes. ResultsNinety-eight percent of procedures were technically successful at thrombosing the aneurysm at the time of procedure. Repeat intervention was performed in four of 47 patients (9%) because of continued aneurysm perfusion at follow-up. Mean time to repeat intervention was 125 days (range, 42–245 d). All repeat interventions were technically successful. Neither aneurysm growth nor aneurysm rupture was observed in any patient during the follow-up period (mean, 78 weeks; range, 9 d to 7.1 y). There were no major adverse events. Major splenic infarction occurred in three of 33 patients (9%) with no underlying liver disease and normal splenic volume and in seven of 14 patients (50%) with portal hypertension. ConclusionsPercutaneous transcatheter coil embolization is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for SAAs as evidenced by high rates of technical success and freedom from aneurysm rupture.