Percutaneous embolization of symptomatic dissecting aneurysms of the celiac artery

Isolated spontaneous dissection of visceral arteries, not associated with aortic dissection, is a rare condition. To date, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment strategy.

To investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous embolization for the treatment of isolated and symptomatic dissecting aneurysm of the celiac artery.

From March 2010 to October 2011, four patients were diagnosed at our institution with symptomatic dissecting aneurysm of the celiac trunk. All patients had acute abdominal pain, two had intra-abdominal hemorrhage and bleeding shock. Three patients underwent elective "trapping" embolization of the celiac trunk with Amplatzer vascular plugs in the hepatic and splenic artery and celiac trunk, and coils in left gastric artery. One patient had a splenic artery rupture and underwent selective embolization of this vessel with platinum-fiber coils.

Angiography and postoperative CT scan confirmed artery occlusion after embolization in all cases. Revascularization of celiac trunk branches was obtained via collaterals. No procedure-related adverse events occurred during follow-up (median, 4.5 months; range, 3-24 months) and vessel occlusion was maintained.

Isolated and symptomatic dissecting aneurysm of the celiac trunk can be successfully managed by embolization techniques with good short- to mid-term results.