Temporal Assessment of Splenic Function in Patients Who Have Undergone Percutaneous Image-Guided Splenic Artery Embolization in the Setting of Trauma

Abstract

Purpose The role of transcatheter splenic arterial embolization (SAE) in the nonoperative management of splenic injury is evolving. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients who have undergone SAE for laboratory markers of hyposplenism in the years after their procedure. Materials and Methods Thirty-four subjects who had undergone SAE as part of nonoperative management of splenic trauma during a period of 10 years were included. A blood sample was collected from each patient for complete blood count and smear analysis for peripheral markers of hyposplenism (as indicated by Howell–Jolly bodies [HJBs]). Sample size and power analysis was performed, and likelihoods for various true prevalences were calculated. Results The average time interval from procedure to follow-up was 4.4 years. No participants had peripheral markers of hyposplenism or abnormalities in cell count on follow-up. Conclusions Phagocytic function of the spleen in patients who have undergone SAE is preserved, as evidenced by the absence of HJBs on follow-up peripheral blood smears.