Total splenic artery embolization for splenic artery aneurysms in patients with normal spleen

AIM: To evaluate total embolization of the main splenic artery in patients with splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) and normal spleen. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients with SAAs were referred for treatment with coil embolization. Patients were classified into two groups: coil embolization of the main splenic artery with complete occlusion of the artery and aneurysms (group A, n = 16), and coil embolization of the aneurysmal sac with patency of the splenic artery (group B, n = 19). Data on white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts, liver function, and complications were collected on days 7 and 30, and subsequently at a 6-mo interval postoperatively. Abdominal computed tomography was routinely performed to calculate the splenic volume before and 1 mo after the procedure, and subsequently every 6 mo during follow-up. RESULTS: Coil embolization of the SAAs was technically successful in all 35 patients, with no procedure-related complications. The post-embolization syndrome, including abdominal pain, fever and vomiting, occurred in six patients (37.5%) in group A and three patients in group B (15.8%). There were no significant differences in WBC and platelet counts between preoperatively and at each follow-up point after the procedures. There were also no significant differences in average WBC and platelet counts between the two groups at each follow-up point. There were significant differences in splenic volume in group A between preoperatively and at each follow-up point, and there were also significant differences in splenic volume between the two groups at each follow-up point. CONCLUSION: Total embolization of the main splenic artery was a safe and feasible procedure for patients with SAAs and normal spleen. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.