Progressive splenomegaly following splenic artery embolization

Nonoperative management of splenic injury is standard in hemodynamically stable patients. Splenic artery embolization is a useful adjunct to nonoperative management for patients with ongoing hemorrhage. However, the complications of embolization are not well defined. We report a case of progressive splenomegaly requiring delayed splenectomy after embolization. A 57-year-old hemodynamically stable, blunt trauma patient had a Grade III splenic injury with associated subcapsular hematoma. Nonoperative management was initiated, but his hemoglobin levels progressively declined prompting proximal splenic artery embolization. His hemoglobin levels remained stable postembolization and he was discharged on postinjury day 5. The patient was readmitted 10 days later with increasing abdominal pain and shortness of breath. Repeat CT revealed an enlarged subcapsular fluid collection, but his hemoglobin level remained stable and he was discharged 5 days later. He returned again 2 days later with similar complaints, and CT demonstrated that his subcapsular fluid collection was further enlarged. Repeat hemoglobin level was again stable. The patient requested operative intervention due to intractable pain, and splenectomy was performed without complications. Operative findings included a sterile, contained subcapsular hematoma. Splenic embolization has emerged as an adjunct to nonoperative management of splenic injury; however, the indications for splenic embolization are yet to be defined, and the spectrum and frequency of potential complications are poorly documented. This case report highlights a potentially serious complication that can occur after splenic embolization.