title: The contemporary management of splenic artery aneurysms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The management of patients with splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) is variable since the natural history of these aneurysms is poorly delineated. The objective of this study was to review our experience with open repair, endovascular therapy, and observation of SAAs over a 14-year interval.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2009, 128 patients with SAAs were evaluated. Sixty-two patients underwent surgical repair (n = 13) or endovascular coil/glue ablation (n = 49), while 66 patients underwent serial observation. The original medical records and computed tomography (CT) imaging were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed using χ(2) or Fisher's exact test for categorical patient characteristics and t-test for continuous variables. Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival were calculated. Mortality was verified via the Social Security Death Index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients (61 ± 11 years, 69% female) were investigated for abdominal symptoms (49%) or had the incidental finding of SAA (mean size, 2.4 ± 1.4 cm). Seven patients (5.5%) presented with rupture and were treated emergently with two perioperative mortalities (29%). Patients requiring surgical or endovascular treatment were more likely male (40% vs 21%, P = .031), younger (58 vs 64 years; P = .004), and current smokers (18% vs 5%; P = .035). Increased aneurysm calcification was associated with decreased SAA size (P = .013). The mean aneurysm size at initial diagnosis was 1.67 cm for patients undergoing observation and 3.13 cm for the treated group (P < .001). Endovascular repair was safe and durable with a mean 1.5-mm regression in SAA size over 2 years. The mean rate of growth for observed SAA was 0.2 mm/y. Ten-year survival was 89.4% (95% confidence interval: 82.0, 97.4) for all patients (observed group, 94.9%; treated group, 85.1%; P = .18). No late aneurysm-related mortality was identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ruptured SAAs are lethal. Large SAAs can undergo endovascular ablation safely with durable SAA regression. Smaller SAAs (<2 cm) grow slowly and carry a negligible rupture risk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Ryan O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Lakin
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bena
authors.forename: Timur P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Sarac
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Leonard P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Krajewski
authors.forename: Sunita D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.forename: Daniel G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Clair
authors.forename: Vikram S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Kashyap
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000628:therapy; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D018450:Disease Progression; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009820:Ohio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013157:Splenic Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality; D057832:Watchful Waiting