Late development of splenic artery aneurysm after orthotopic liver transplantation: a case report.
Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Although SAAs are often incidental findings, in some cases they present with signs and symptoms of abdominal mass or intra-abdominal hemorrhage. The diagnosis requires Doppler ultrasound and confirmation with computed tomography, magnetic resonance, or angiography. Endovascular techniques are preferred to surgery for the treatment of most SAAs. A variable interval from 6 days to 11 years has been reported between OLT and the diagnosis of SAA, justifying a lifelong scheduled surveillance of abdominal vessels by ultrasound after OLT. Herein we have reported a case of SAA that developed 16 years after OLT. This pathological condition was totally asymptomatic. Only routine abdominal ultrasound allowed its detection and subsequent successful treatment.
Annicchiarico
B E
BE
Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, "A. Gemelli" Hospital, Rome, Italy. terapiamedica@tin.it
Avolio
A W
AW
Caracciolo
G
G
Barbaro
B
B
Di Stasi
C
C
Agnes
S
S
Siciliano
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D000792:Angiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013157:Splenic Artery / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler