[Splanchnic vein aneurysms: a report of 13 cases]

Splanchnic vein aneurysms are a rare and poorly known entity. From a review of 13 cases and reports from the literature, we have defined the imaging features and modalities for their diagnosis and management.

Retrospective study of 13 patients (7 females, 6 males, mean age of 53.5 years) who presented between 1993 and 2005 with splanchnic vein aneurysms. All patient charts were reviewed to collect and analyze epidemiological data, underlying etiologies, imaging work-up for diagnosis and management. Aneurysms were defined as fusiform or saccular enlargement of the portal venous vein or its branches, superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein.

A total of 16 splanchnic vein aneurysms were identified. Four patients had portal venous hypertension. The imaging work-up was variable and included mainly non-invasive modalities (US: 8 patients; CTA: 8 patients and MRA: 9 patients) and conventional angiography in 2 patients. Eight aneurysms involved the portal vein (50%), 5 the splenic vein (31.3%), and 3 the superior mesenteric vein (18.7%). None of the patients underwent surgical or endovascular management. Imaging follow-up was performed in 12 patients, with no interval change over time with up to 10 years follow-up.

In our series, the portal vein was most frequently involved. Diagnosis was exclusively based on imaging and management was limited to follow-up.