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 procedurerelated 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.