Endovascular management of visceral arterial aneurysms

Visceral artery aneurysms are rare entities involving the celiac, superior mesenteric or inferior mesenteric arteries and their branches. While the natural history of these aneurysms is not well known as many are found incidentally, a definite risk of rupture and subsequent mortality has been demonstrated. There are several endovascular methods that an operator may choose to treat visceral artery aneurysms, and selection of the appropriate technique depends on the type and size of aneurysm and the anatomy of the affected artery. It is the aim of this paper to describe the indications, technical considerations and endovascular methods of treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. The following techniques of angiographic intervention are presented and discussed: isolation, covered stents, coil packing, liquid embolic agents and percutaneous thrombin injection. Where appropriate, individual aneurysm and artery specific treatment considerations are emphasized. To guide and assist practice, a suggested treatment algorithm is presented.