title: Splenic artery aneurysms: two decades experience at Mayo clinic.
abstract: Although rare, splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) have a definite risk of rupture. The optimal management of these aneurysms remains elusive. A retrospective chart review of all patients treated at our institutions with the diagnosis of SAA from January 1980 until December 1998 was undertaken. Follow-up was obtained via chart review and by direct phone contact of the patient or relative. No specific protocol was followed for management. From analysis of the patient data we concluded that although SAAs may rupture, not all intact aneurysms need intervention. Calcification does not appear to protect against rupture, although beta-blockade may be protective. Growth rates of SAA are slow and growth is infrequent. Selective management of SAAs is safe. Open ligation or transcatheter embolization should be considered for symptomatic aneurysms, for aneurysms > or = 2 cm in size, or for any SAA in women of childbearing years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
authors.forename: Maher A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Abbas
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Fowl
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gloviczki
authors.forename: W Andrew
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Oldenburg
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Pairolero
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Hallett
authors.forename: Thomas C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Bower
authors.forename: Jean M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Panneton
authors.forename: Kenneth J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Cherry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013157:Splenic Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods