[Aneurysms of the splenic artery: our experience]

Splenic artery aneurysms, although rare, are the most common visceral artery aneurysms with a high risk of rupture. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyse our experience with such aneurysms. Eight patients (6 women, 2 men; mean age: 60.2 years; range: 33-76 years) with a diagnoses of splenic artery aneurysm were reviewed. Six patients were asymptomatic and two had chronic pancreatitis with left flank pain. The condition was diagnosed by ultrasonography and computed tomography. Five patients underwent surgery, two requiring splenectomy, and three patients were treated by embolisation. There were no postoperative deaths. Follow-up data were available for 7 patients, the mean follow-up period being 60 months (range: 2-72 months). Although open surgical repair remains the gold standard, endovascular techniques may, in selected cases, offer a viable alternative in high-risk patients with significant co-morbid conditions.