Clinical features and management of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm: case series and cumulative review of literature

Vascular Diseases of the Spleen: A Review

Vascular diseases of the spleen are relatively uncommon in the clinical practice. However, the reported incidence has been progressively increasing, probably due to advances in the imaging modalities used to detect them. This disease condition often presents with non-specific clinical manifestations, but can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This review article aims to provide updated clinical information on the different vascular diseases of the splenic vasculature-splenic vein thrombosis, splenic vein aneurysm, splenic artery aneurysm, splenic arteriovenous fistula, and spontaneous splenorenal shunt-in order to aid clinicians in early diagnosis and management.

Pseudo Aneurysm of Aberrant Right Gastroepiploic Artery Mimicking Pseudocyst of Pancreas- A Rare Case Report

Pseudoaneurysm of peripancreatic vessel is a rare complication of pancreatitis. The splenic artery is the most commonly affected vessels close to the pancreas. Pseudoaneurysm of right gastroepiploic artery is rare. It can rupture into Gastro Intestinal (GI) tract, retroperitoneum, peritoneal cavity, biliopancreatic duct or pseudocyst. Clinical diagnosis of unruptured pseudoaneurysm is rarely possible because there are no specific signs and symptoms. We hereby report a case of pseudoaneurysm of aberrant right gastroepiploic artery in 30-year-old male which presented with history of epigastric pain and lump with episode of haematemesis and malena. Diagnosis was suspected on Doppler Ultrasonography (USG), which was later confirmed by CECT and angiography. Patient was treated by coil embolization. The pain and lump in epigastrium disappeared within five to six days. Patient is symptom free after six months of follow up.

A splenic artery aneurysm presenting with multiple episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report

Background

Splenic artery aneurysm is rare and its diagnosis is challenging due to the nonspecific nature of the clinical presentation. We report a case of a splenic artery aneurysm in which the patient presented with chronic dyspepsia and multiple episodes of minor intragastric bleeding.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old, previously healthy Sri Lankan man presented with four episodes of hematemesis and severe dyspeptic symptoms over a period of 6 months. The results of two initial upper gastrointestinal endoscopies and an abdominal ultrasound scan were unremarkable. A third upper gastrointestinal endoscopy detected a pulsatile bulge at the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. A contrast-enhanced computed tomogram of his abdomen detected a splenic artery aneurysm measuring 3 × 3 × 2.5 cm. While awaiting routine surgery, he developed a torrential upper gastrointestinal bleeding and shock, leading to emergency laparotomy. Splenectomy and en bloc resection of the aneurysm with the posterior stomach wall were performed. Histology revealed evidence for a true aneurysm without overt, acute, or chronic inflammation of the surrounding gastric mucosa. He became completely asymptomatic 2 weeks after the surgery.

Conclusions

Splenic artery aneurysms can result in recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The possibility of impending catastrophic bleeding should be remembered when managing patients with splenic artery aneurysms after a minor bleeding. Negative endoscopy and ultrasonography should require contrast-enhanced computed tomography to look for the cause of recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Endovascular Repair of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm With Anomalous Origin From the Superior Mesenteric Artery

A 22 year old female with a history of recurrent abdominal pain was transferred to our institution with a diagnosis of splenic artery aneurysm identified on imaging. CT angiography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a partially thrombosed 3.0 cm splenic artery aneurysm without signs of rupture and with an anomalous origin from the superior mesenteric artery. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular exclusion of the aneurysm. Herein we review some of the nuances of endovascular repair of splenic artery aneurysm.

Nonoperative Management of Blunt Solid Organ Injury in Pediatric Surgery

In the last decade, higher rates of nonoperative management of liver, spleen, and kidney injuries have been achieved. An algorithmic approach may improve success on a national level. Factors for success include management strategy based on physiologic status of the child, early attempt at resuscitation using blood products, and appropriate use of adjuncts. Shorter hospitalizations are appropriate for children who have not bled significantly, and discharge instructions facilitate the safety of early discharge. Although routine imaging is not required for liver or spleen injury, symptoms should prompt reevaluation. Reimaging of renal injuries remains in common use.

Haematochezia from a Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Communicating with Transverse Colon: A Case Report and Literature Review

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are the third most common intra-abdominal aneurysm. Complications include invasion into surrounding structures often in association with preexisting pancreatic disease. We describe an 88-year-old female, with no history of pancreatic disease, referred with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. CT angiography showed a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm with associated collection and fistula to the transverse colon at the level of the splenic flexure. The pseudoaneurysm was embolised endovascularly with metallic microcoils. Rectal bleeding ceased. The patient recovered well and follow-up angiography revealed no persistence of the splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. SAA rupture results in 29%–50% mortality. Experienced centres report success with the endovascular approach in haemodynamically unstable patients, as a bridge to surgery, and even on a background of pancreatic disease. This case highlights the importance of prompt CT angiography, if endoscopy fails to identify a cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Endovascular embolisation provides a safe and effective alternative to surgery, where anatomical considerations and local expertise permit.

Late Migration of a Covered Stent into the Stomach after Repair of a Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm

We would like to report our experience of a rather rare complication that occurred in a 76-year old patient tree years after endovascular repair of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm with a covered stent. Three years after stent insertion, the patient complained of mild abdominal pain and melena; it was revealed endoscopically that the covered stent has eroded the stomach wall and migrated into the stomach. The splenic artery is the most common location among the spectrum of potential presentation sites of visceral arteries aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. Endovascular treatment with the use of coils or stents is the first option due to lower morbidity and mortality than open surgery. Endovascular repair may also lead to complications and patients need to be followed up in order to confirm aneurysm sealing, and exclude late complication. Minor stent graft migration may occur in the long term, however extra vascular migration is extremely rare.

Sinister Splenic Artery Pseudoaneursym: A Rare Case of Unidentified Aetiology

Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysms (SAP) are very rare. Giant SAPs are those which are more than 5 cm in diameter and are rarer. SAPs are usually caused by pancreatitis, trauma, surgery or other iatrogenic interventions, vasculitis, local infective or inflammatory processes. We report the successful surgical management of a giant SAP of unidentified aetiology. This case report highlights the significance that this entity may present atypically and hence, early recognition and aggressive management may be life saving.

Surgical management of a splenic artery aneurysm

Aneurisms of the splenic artery are rare clinical findings. Surgeons and interventional radiologists should co‐operate in the management of this challenging disease; we describe here a surgical option.

Prevalence and predictive factors for development of splenic artery aneurysms in cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) rarely occurs in the general population. Its increased incidence has been reported in cirrhosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify prevalence and predictive factor development of SAA in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

All patients with cirrhosis who were treated in our clinics between 2010 and 2014 were included in the study. Demographic features and clinical and laboratory findings were reviewed. Four-phase computerized tomography (CT) was used for identifying SAA. Imaging was reviewed for the presence of SAA as well as hepatic artery, portal vein, splenic artery, splenic vein, liver parenchyma, and intraabdominal cavity were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients (age 55±13.9, 109 men) were included in the study. There was SAA in 27 (15.7 %) patients. Mean diameter of aneurysm was 11.66 (range, 6.06-27.1) mm. Aneurysm was located in the distal part of splenic artery in 20 (74 %) patients and solitary in 24 (88.8 %), and asymptomatic in all patients. Patients with SAA had larger portal vein and splenic vein compared to patients without SAA (15.3±3.9 vs. 13.1±2.9 mm, p=0.001; and 12.5±4.4 vs. 9.6±2.7 mm, p<0.001, respectively). We identified positive correlation between development of SAA and splenic vein diameter [hazard ratio (HR) =1.23; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.57; p = 0.009] and negative correlation between hepatic artery diameter and development of SAA HR = 0.46; 95 % CI 0.25-0.85; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

SAA occurred in a significant proportion of patients with cirrhosis, and enlargement of the splenic vein seemed to be a predictive factor for the development of SAA.

Evaluating Patients with Left Upper Quadrant Pain

Imaging plays a major role in the evaluation of patients who present to the emergency department with acute left upper quadrant (LUQ) pain. Multidetector computed tomography is currently the primary modality used for imaging these patients. The peritoneal reflections, subperitoneal compartment, and peritoneal spaces of the LUQ are key anatomic features in understanding the imaging appearance of acute diseases in this area. Diseases of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and splenic flexure are encountered in patients with acute LUQ pain. Optimization of the imaging protocol is vital for accurate diagnosis and characterization of these diseases in the acute setting.

An insidious case of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to acalculus cholecystitis

A 68-year-old man with expressive dysphasia presented with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, jaundice and abdominal pain. He was unable to tolerate ultrasound tranducer pressure. His oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) showed large blood clots in the stomach with blood trickling from the ampulla. An urgent CT angiogram demonstrated a 32 mm pseudoaneurysm within the gallbladder fossa. The patient subsequently underwent an endovascular embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm performed by the interventional radiology team.

Short-term outcomes following elective transcatheter arterial embolization for splenic artery aneurysms: data from a nationwide administrative database

Background

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) rupture is life-threatening. Although elective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) suggested low in-hospital death in previous studies, there has been no large multi-center study of elective TAE for SAA.

Purpose

To examine the short-term outcomes of TAE for splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) and analyze the factors associated with the outcomes, including liver cirrhosis, using a nationwide administrative inpatient database.

Material and Methods

We identified patients who received elective TAE with a principal diagnosis of SAA. We assessed the patient background characteristics, comprising age, sex, and specific co-morbidities, including liver cirrhosis. The outcomes included the rate of TAE-related complications (acute pancreatitis, splenic infarction, splenic abscess, or intraperitoneal hematoma), length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.

Results

Among 18.3 million inpatients in the database between July 2010 and March 2013, we identified 534 patients who received elective TAE for SAA at 229 participating hospitals. Fifty-four (10.1%) patients had liver cirrhosis. No in-hospital deaths were observed. Thirty-two (6.0%) patients had at least one TAE-related complication. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that liver cirrhosis was significantly associated with longer length of stay (9.5 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.0–12.0 days; P < 0.001). A logistic regression analysis showed that liver cirrhosis was not significantly associated with TAE-related complications (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.29–3.39; P = 0.980).

Conclusion

The results revealed no in-hospital mortality and a low complication rate associated with elective TAE for SAA including liver cirrhosis patients.

Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding from a Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Caused by a Penetrating Gastric Ulcer: Case Report and Review of Literature

Background

Splenic artery aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm are rare pathologies. True aneurysms are usually asymptomatic. Aneurysm rupture occurring in 2–3% of cases results in bleeding into the lesser sack, peritoneal space or adjacent organs typically presenting as abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability. In contrast, pseudoaneurysms are nearly always symptomatic carrying a high risk of rupture of 37–47% and mortality rate of 90% if untreated. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in the management of patients with splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. Typical causes include pancreatitis and trauma. Rarely, the rupture of a pseudoaneurysm presents as upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. Among causes, peptic ulcer is the casuistic one.

Case Report

This report describes a very rare case of recurrent UGI bleeding from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm caused by a penetrating gastric ulcer. After negative results of endoscopy and ultrasound, the diagnosis was established in CT angiography. The successful treatment consisted of surgical ligation of the bleeding vessel and suture of the ulcer with preservation of the spleen and pancreas, which is rarely tried in such situations.

Conclusions

The most important factor in identifying a ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysm as a source of GI bleeding is considering the diagnosis. UGI hemorrhage from splenic artery pseudoaneurysm can have a relapsing course providing false negative results of endoscopy and ultrasound if performed between episodes of active bleeding. In such cases, immediate CT angiography is useful in establishing diagnosis and in application of proper therapy before possible recurrence.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin for the management of superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm

Visceral aneurysms are a well-recognized and potentially fatal occurrence in the event of rupture. Endovascular occlusion using stent grafting or embolization is often favorable over high-risk open surgical repair. However, interventional mesenteric angiography may not always be feasible or successful. We present an emergency case of successful occlusion of a large peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm using a single percutaneous injection of thrombin under ultrasound guidance alone after both laparotomy and mesenteric angiography had failed to identify and control bleeding. In this case and review of the current evidence, we propose an effective alternative first-line treatment strategy in these complex patients.

Splenic Pseudoaneursym as the Cause of Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Woman With Diffuse Scleroderma

A 67-year-old woman with a 15-year history of intestinal scleroderma presented with recurrent melena. Upper endoscopies revealed a healing, non-bleeding, large gastric ulcer. After the third bleed, angiography demonstrated bleeding from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm adjacent to the gastric ulcer. Scleroderma patients are at risk of bleeding from esophagitis or gastric arteriovenous malformations, while splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are primarily attributed to pancreatitis and trauma. This is the first reported case of gastrointestinal bleeding from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with intestinal scleroderma and a large gastric ulcer.

[Splenic artery aneurysm ruptured in the stomach: surgery after failed attempt of embolization]

L'anévrisme de l'artère splénique (AAS) est une entité pathologique rare le plus souvent asymptomatique. Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient âgé de 60 ans, hypertendu qui s'est présenté aux urgences pour un épisode d'hématémèse sans retentissement hémodynamique. Un bilan complet comportant un Angioscanner abdominal a mis en évidence un anévrisme de l'artère splénique refoulant la paroi postérieure de l'estomac en avant. Le diagnostic d'anévrisme de l'artère splénique rompu dans l'estomac a été posé et un traitement endovasculaire à type d'embolisation par coils effectué. Au 5^ème jour post embolisation, le patient nous a été référé pour une persistance de mélénas. Un traitement chirurgical a été décidé. La mise à plat de l'anévrisme a permis d’évacuer les coils et le thrombus. L'objectif de cette observation est de montrer que l'embolisation d'un AAS rompu dans l'estomac a été une cause de retard thérapeutique qui pourrait être fatal pour le patient. Le traitement de référence est la cure chirurgicale de l'AAS par voie conventionnelle sans rétablissement de la continuité artérielle splénique, sans splénectomie et avec suture de l'orifice digestif.

Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Masquerading as a Pancreatic Cyst-A Diagnostic Challenge

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare entity. Clinical diagnosis is challenging because presentation is often varied. It can range from an incidental finding to hemodynamic collapse from sudden rupture and bleeding. The most common cause of this condition is pancreatitis. We report an unusual case of a young man not known to have pancreatitis who presented with hematemesis with normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Imaging modalities did not lead to a definitive diagnosis, and he underwent emergency laparotomy with surgical ligation of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm for hemodynamic instability, without a definitive preoperative diagnosis.

"To-and-fro" waveform in the diagnosis of arterial pseudoaneurysms

Medical ultrasound imaging with Doppler plays an essential role in the diagnosis of vascular disease. This study intended to review the clinical use of “to-and-fro” waveform at duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DDU) in the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms in the arterial vessels of upper and lower extremities, abdominal aorta, carotid and vertebral arteries as well as to review our personal experiences of “to-and-fro” waveform at DDU also. After receiving institutional review board approval, an inclusive literature review was carried out in order to review the scientific foundation of “to-and-fro” waveform at DDU and its clinical use in the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms in various arterial vessels. Articles published in the English language between 2000 and 2013 were evaluated in this review study. Pseudoaneurysms in arterial vessels of the upper and lower extremities, abdominal aorta, carotid and vertebral arteries characterized by an extraluminal pattern of blood flow, which shows variable echogenicity, interval complexity, and “to-and-fro” flow pattern on color Doppler ultrasonography. In these arterial vessels, Duplex ultrasonography can demonstrate the degree of clotting, pseudoaneurysm communication, the blood flow patterns and velocities. Spectral Doppler applied to pseudoaneurysms lumen revealed systolic and diastolic turbulent blood flow with traditional “to-and-fro” waveform in the communicating channel. Accurate diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm by spectral Doppler is based on the documentation of the “to-and-fro” waveform. The size of pseudoaneurysm determines the appropriate treatment approach as surgical or conservative.

Idiopathic Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Rupture as an Uncommon Cause of Hemorrhagic Shock

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are infrequently encountered but critical to recognize. Limited literature to date describes associations with pancreatitis, trauma, and rarely peptic ulcer disease. Hemorrhage and abdominal pain are the most common manifestations. There is typically overt gastrointestinal blood loss but bleeding can also extend into the peritoneum, retroperitoneum, adjacent organs, or even a pseudocyst. Most patients with ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysms present with hemodynamic instability. Here, we describe a patient recovering from acute illness in the intensive care unit but with otherwise no obvious risk factors or precipitants for visceral pseudoaneurysm. He presented with acute onset altered mental status, nausea, and worsening back and abdominal pain and was found to be in hypovolemic shock. The patient was urgently stabilized until more detailed imaging could be performed, which ultimately revealed the source of blood loss and explained his rapid decompensation. He was successfully treated with arterial coiling and embolization. Thus, we herein emphasize the importance of prompt recognition of hemorrhagic shock and of aggressive hemodynamic stabilization, as well as a focused diagnostic approach to this problem with specific treatment for splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. Finally, we recommend that multidisciplinary management should be the standard approach in all patients with splenic artery pseudoaneurysm.

Arterial pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis: literature review

Arterial pseudoaneurysm formation of visceral arteries as a vascular complication of pancreatitis, either acute or chronic, is an uncommon phenomenon. This review article discusses the incidence, pathophysiology, imaging, treatment strategies, and prognosis of mesenteric pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis.

Imaging of vascular pseudoaneurysms in the thorax and abdomen

INTRODUCTION

This review article illustrates a spectrum of arterial pseudoaneurysms that may occur in various locations throughout the thoracoabdominal region. This article discusses the common etiologies and typical clinical presentations of arterial pseudoaneurysms as well as the imaging modalities employed in their diagnosis and potential treatment options.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this review article is to familiarize radiologists with the diagnosis of thoracoabdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms, the prompt identification and treatment of which are crucial in this patient population.

CONCLUSION

In summary, a thorough understanding of the etiologies, imaging characteristics, and clinical implications of pseudoaneurysms can help optimize identification and management of this spectrum of disease.

Urgent endovascular ligature of a ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with acute pancreatitis: a case report

Introduction

We report on the successful endovascular treatment of a ruptured splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. Our patient had acute pancreatitis superimposed on chronic calcific pancreatitis and chronic renal impairment. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was used to assess post-embolization results.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 67-year-old white Caucasian man with recurrent pancreatitis. Computed tomography angiography showed a pancreatic pseudocyst with a ruptured pseudoaneurysm, which was successfully embolized using an endovascular percutaneous approach. At six months, persistent renal failure led to contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. This confirmed the absence of turbulent blood flow and extravasation of contrast medium in the pseudocyst.

Conclusion

Our experience with this case leads us to support the role of interventional radiology as a first-line treatment tool. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can be used to follow-up embolization procedures in patients with impaired renal function.

A benign gastric ulcer eroding into a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as a massive upper gastrointestinal bleed

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding secondary to a ruptured splenic artery (SA) pseudoaneurysm into the stomach is a rare but a life-threatening condition. Owing to the low prevalence, it remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A frail 77-year-old Caucasian female presented with epigastric pain and hematemesis. Endoscopy was non-diagnostic for an etiology. She then underwent diagnostic angiography that revealed an SA pseudoaneurysm with active contrast extravasation into the stomach. Subsequent transcatheter arterial coil embolization was conducted of the SA. The patient was subsequently taken for a partial gastrectomy, distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. She had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Diagnosis of an UGI bleeding secondary to a ruptured SA pseudoaneurysm into the stomach remains difficult. However, we report that in a hemodynamically stable patient, a multidisciplinary approach can be taken, with interval optimization of the patient prior to definitive surgery for a satisfactory outcome.

Giant peripancreatic artery aneurysm with emphasis on contrast-enhanced ultrasound: report of two cases

Visceral artery aneurysms have a potential possibility of rupture with life-threatening hemorrhage, and prompt detection and optimal treatment are required clinically. Actually, abdominal ultrasound plays a major role in detection of visceral artery aneurysms. Besides, the administration of contrast agents can highly improve the characterization of the lesion. Herein, we present two cases of giant peripancreatic artery aneurysm with emphasis on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Case 1 was a 54-year-old asymptomatic man who was diagnosed with a 12.1 cm × 5.2 cm splenic artery aneurysm in the absence of a clear etiologic factor. Case 2 was a 37-year-old man with a 6.3 cm × 5.3 cm pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm associated with chronic pancreatitis. Both diagnoses were confirmed by contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CECT) and digital subtracted angiography (DSA). Transcatheter embolization occlusion using coiling was successfully performed for both cases. Postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed complete occlusion. It is suggested that CEUS seems to be a promising diagnostic option and contributes to preoperative treatment planning for patients with peripancreatic artery aneurysm.

Embolization of a large, symptomatic splenic artery pseudoaneurysm

Background

Splenic artery aneurysm is the third most common abdominal aneurysm. Most often it is due to pancreatitis. There were only 19 cases of aneurysms larger than 5 cm in diameter described in the literature. Management of splenic artery aneurysms depends on the size and symptoms. Invasive treatment modalities involve open procedures and interventional radiology methods (endovascular).

Case Reports

A 44-years-old male with chronic pancreatitis, in a gradually worsening general condition due to a large splenic artery aneurysm, was subjected to the procedure. Blood flow through the aneurysm was cut-off by implanting a covered stent between celiac trunk and common hepatic artery. Patient’s general condition rapidly improved, allowing discharge home in good state soon after the procedure.

Conclusions

Percutaneous embolization appears to be the best method of treatment of large splenic artery aneurysms. Complications of such treatment are significantly less dangerous than those associated with surgery.

Endoscopic removal of a migrated coil after embolization of a splenic pseudoaneurysm: a case report

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms can be caused by pancreatitis, trauma, or operation. Traditionally, the condition has been managed through surgery; however, nowadays, transcatheter arterial embolization is performed safely and effectively. Nevertheless, several complications of pseudoaneurysm embolization have been reported, including coil migration. Herein, we report a case of migration of the coil into the jejunal lumen after transcatheter arterial embolization of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. The migrated coil was successfully removed by performing endoscopic intervention.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as massive hematemesis: a diagnostic dilemma

Introduction. Splenic artery Pseudoaneurysm, a complication of chronic pancreatitis, presenting as massive hematemesis is a rare presentation. Case Report. We present a case of 38-year-old male admitted with chief complaints of pain in the upper abdomen and massive hematemesis for the last 15 days. On examination there was severe pallor. On investigating the patient, Hb was 4.0 gm/dL, upper GI endoscopy revealed a leiomyoma in fundus of stomach, and EUS Doppler also supported the UGI findings. On further investigation of the patient, CECT of the abdomen revealed a possibility of distal pancreatic carcinoma encasing splenic vessels and infiltrating the adjacent structure. FNA taken at the time of EUS was consistent with inflammatory pathology. Triple phase CT of the abdomen revealed a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm with multiple splenic infarcts. After resuscitation we planned an emergency laparotomy; splenic artery pseudoaneurysm densely adherent to adjacent structures and associated with distal pancreatic necrosis was found. We performed splenectomy with repair of the defect in the stomach wall and necrosectomy. Postoperative course was uneventful and patient was discharged on day 8. Conclusion. Pseudoaneurysm can be at times a very difficult situation to manage; options available are either catheter embolisation if patient is vitally stable, or otherwise, exploration.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm due to seatbelt injury in a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient adult

A 23-year-old man presented with abdominal pain after suffering blunt trauma caused by a seatbelt injury. His low platelet count of 137 × 10(9)/L was initially attributed to trauma and his underlying hypersplenism due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Despite conservative management, his platelet count remained persistently reduced even after his haemoglobin and clotting abnormalities were stabilised. After a week, follow-up imaging revealed an incidental finding of a pseudoaneurysm (measuring 9 mm × 8 mm × 10 mm) adjacent to a splenic laceration. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully closed via transcatheter glue embolisation; 20% of the spleen was also embolised. A week later, the platelet count normalised, and the patient was subsequently discharged. This case highlights the pitfalls in the detection of a delayed occurrence of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm after blunt injury via routine delayed phase computed tomography. While splenomegaly in G6PD may be a predisposing factor for injury, a low platelet count should arouse suspicion of internal haemorrhage rather than hypersplenism.

Laparoscopic excision of splenic artery aneurysm

INTRODUCTION

Splenic artery aneurysm is more frequently diagnosed today with the advancement and liberal use of imaging modalities. A symptomatic aneurysm, an aneurysm of any diameter in a pregnant woman or a woman of childbearing age, and an aneurysm >2 cm are all strong indications for surgery because of a significantly increased risk for splenic artery rupture.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 35-year-old, morbidly obese, African American woman presented with constant left flank pain for 4 weeks. Angiography confirmed a 2.5-cm splenic artery aneurysm near the splenic hilum. Because angioembolization was unlikely to succeed because of extensive collaterals and the aneurysm's proximity to the splenic hilum, laparoscopic excision of the aneurysm with splenectomy was performed.

DISCUSSION

We report the successful laparoscopic surgical treatment of a 2.5-cm splenic artery aneurysm. Any splenic artery aneurysm with a significantly increased risk of rupture requires a prompt intervention. Although percutaneous embolization of the splenic artery is the most frequently applied therapy today, surgical repair is preferred for all symptomatic aneurysms because of the greater likelihood of success.

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm involving papilla of vater successfully treated with endovascular approach despite intraoperative rupture

An 81-year-old woman presented with dizziness and nasal bleeding. Gastrointestinal fiberscopy (GIF) showed a pulsatile aneurysm in the duodenum, and that the orifice of the papilla of Vater was involved. Three-dimensional computed tomography imaging showed an unruptured aneurysm in the pancreatic duodenal arcade. The patient underwent an emergent endovascular embolization of the donor arteries using coils and gelatin sponge particles. She was discharged without any complications. This case was extremely rare because of the anatomic location of the unruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm and the fact that it involved the papilla of Vater, was detected with GIF, and was successfully treated endovascularly.

Successful endovascular management of giant splenic artery aneurysms

Giant pseudoaneurysms of the splenic artery, with a diameter of 5 cm or more, are rare surgical emergencies, and conventional open surgery usually involves splenectomy. The aim of this study is to report two cases from our institution and to review the world's literature on successful endovascular treatment of patients with giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysms. A retrospective review of a prospectively entered departmental computerized database was performed for the two patients from our institution. Articles were searched electronically from PubMed and Medline, using the terms 'giant splenic artery', 'endovascular' and 'embolization'; and relevant cases were reviewed from the world's literature. We hereby report two patients with giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysms who were treated successfully with endovascular procedures. In addition to the two patients from our institution, there were five patients with giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysms in the published literature who underwent successful endovascular management. The first patient of our series had the largest pseudoaneursym size of 7.2 × 8.1 cm, which is the largest documented pseudoaneursym in the current literature. We report two cases of giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysm with one being the largest pseudoaneurysm treated with endovascular technique in the current literature. Endovascular coil embolization of main trunk of splenic artery is less invasive than open surgical treatment for giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysm, and circumvents the problem of difficult exposure, especially in those patients with significant co-morbidity.