title: Splenic artery aneurysms: postembolization syndrome and surgical complications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study assessed the endovascular embolization of splenic artery aneurysms and false aneurysms with special consideration given to postoperative complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients (11 women; mean age, 56 y; range, 39-80 y) with splenic artery aneurysm (n = 13) or false aneurysm (n = 2) were treated with coil embolization. The lesion was asymptomatic in 9 patients, symptomatic in 5 patients, and ruptured in 1 patient. The mean aneurysm diameter was 33 +/- 23 mm (range, 15-80 mm). Postoperative follow-up evaluation included a clinical visit and spiral computed tomography at 1, 4, and 12 months, and yearly thereafter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Endovascular treatment was possible in 14 patients (93%) (1 failure: neck cannulation). Perioperative mortality was not observed. Morbidity included postembolization syndrome in 5 patients (30%). Neither pancreatitis nor spleen abscess occurred. The mean follow-up period was 36 months (range, 3-60 mo). During follow-up evaluation we detected 1 sac reperfusion that was sealed successfully with additional coils. Surgical conversion or open repair were never required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At our institute, endovascular treatment represents the first-line treatment for splenic artery aneurysms. Postembolization syndrome and infarcts are common events but generally resolve without sequelae.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Insubria-Varese, Ospedale di Circolo, 21100 viale Borri 57, Varese, Italy. gabriele.piffaretti@tiscali.it
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piffaretti
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tozzi
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lomazzi
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rivolta
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Riva
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Caronno
authors.forename: Patrizio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Castelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000628:therapy*; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013157:Splenic Artery