Operative ligation of multiple splenic artery aneurysms.
The incidence of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) in the background population is less than 1%. They are found with increasing frequency in the elderly, and there is a female predominance. The majority (95%) of SAAs are asymptomatic; although, symptoms include pain and a pulsating feeling in the upper abdomen. Treatment of SAAs depends on aneurysmal size and associated symptoms. Multiple SAAs are noted in 20% of patients. A 71-year-old woman with a history of both systemic and portal hypertension, hyper-splenism, and cirrhosis post chronic active hepatitis presented with a pulsating sensation and pain in her left hypochondrium. Abdominal ultrasound and CT confirmed the presence of two splenic aneurysms, which subsequently showed signs of enlargement 6 months later. At operation both aneurysms were successfully ligated and post-operative ultrasonography confirmed absence of aneurysmal flow and viability of the spleen.
Williamson
J M L
JM
Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Sherman
D I N
DI
Canelo
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008026:Ligation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013157:Splenic Artery / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods