[Therapeutic embolization of the spleen]

Spleen embolization is a method of percutaneous occlusion of instrasplenic vascular network, by which is achieved a partial embolization of arterial branches with the convenience of controlled circulation reduction. Reduction achieved in this way corrects clinical and laboratory symptoms of hypersplenism and improves hematologic status in the diseases of lymphopoietic tissues where splenectomy is otherwise the therapeutic solution. This method had been applied experimentally, and afterward clinically since 1973, but with numerous complications and incidents. The authors had discussed those complications, commented the method development, so as physiopathologic and hemodynamic circumstances, and considering them, the method had become efficacious and safe. Using the modified methodologic principle, they had performed the first transcatheter spleen embolization at the Institute for Radiology of Military Medical Academy in the patient with liver cirrhosis, hypersplenism, splenomegaly and the signs of portal hypertension. The authors described the applied methods, postintervention effects and clinical and laboratory condition in six months after the intervention. Considering the positive clinical and laboratory results, the authors are of the opinion that the method of transcatheter spleen embolization is useful therapeutic alternative to splenectomy.