Proximal splenic artery embolization in the management of splenic rupture.
OBJECTIVE
To report the use of proximal splenic artery embolization for management of spontaneous splenic rupture.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


METHODS
A tertiary pediatric critical care unit in a university teaching hospital.


METHODS
Proximal splenic artery embolization.


RESULTS
An 8-yr-old boy presented with abdominal pain radiating to the left shoulder 9 days after completing induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Imaging revealed a splenic rupture with parenchymal and subcapsular hematomas, with no evidence of active extravasations. The patient was admitted to the pediatric critical care unit for close hemodynamic monitoring and frequent measurements of hemoglobin. His lowest recorded hemoglobin and hematocrit were 63 g/L and 0.19 L/L, respectively. Posttransfusion of packed red blood cells, he was taken to interventional radiology for proximal splenic artery embolization under moderate sedation. Several coils were successfully placed in the proximal splenic arterial system resulting in a marked reduction of splenic blood flow without disruption of collaterals. The patient recovered well from proximal splenic artery embolization in the pediatric critical care unit and experienced short lasting abdominal pain and fever for 1 day. He was discharged home 4 days after the procedure and follow-up imaging showed resolving hematomas with preserved splenic blood flow.


CONCLUSIONS
Proximal splenic artery embolization in children may be a safe therapeutic alternative to either conservative or surgical management in spontaneous splenic rupture. Preservation of splenic tissue with a reduced risk of repeated hemorrhage can be obtained with proximal splenic artery embolization.
Bellingham
Geoff A
GA
Departments of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Kribs
Stewart
S
Kornecki
Anat
A
Scott
Leslie
L
Leaker
Michael
M
Fraser
Douglas D
DD
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013157:Splenic Artery; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color