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Egg-shell like Calcification as a Protective Factor for Splenic Artery Aneurysm Dilatation
Masaya Sano1, Katsuyuki Hoshina1, Takuya Kawahara2
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Egg-shell appearance in splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) independently slows dilatation. This calcification pattern limits growth in larger aneurysms and those with portal hypertension, suggesting a protective role.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are rare vascular malformations.
- Asymptomatic SAAs require evaluation for factors influencing their progression.
- Understanding dilatation factors is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with the dilatation of asymptomatic splenic artery aneurysms.
- To analyze the impact of comorbidities and anatomical features on SAA growth.
- To determine predictors of SAA dilatation rate.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 70 SAA lesions in 59 patients (2001-2018).
- Measurement of SAA dilatation rate (mm/year).
- Evaluation of factors including egg-shell appearance, portal hypertension (PHT), and aneurysm diameter using regression models.
Main Results:
- Mean dilatation rate was 0.26 mm/year over a 4.6-year follow-up.
- Univariate analysis showed PHT, egg-shell appearance, and diameter >20 mm were associated with dilatation.
- Multivariate analysis identified egg-shell appearance as an independent inverse risk factor for dilatation.
Conclusions:
- Egg-shell appearance in SAA is an independent inverse predictor of dilatation rate.
- The presence of egg-shell appearance attenuates the effect of PHT and large diameter on SAA growth.
- Calcification patterns significantly influence SAA progression dynamics.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with asymptomatic splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) dilatation.
Methods:
Among patients with SAA admitted to our department from 2001 to 2018, 70 lesions in 59 patients were selected and analyzed retrospectively. There were no cases of rupture or pregnancy in the follow-up period. We defined egg-shell appearance as SAA with >75% calcification of the outer shell. We measured the dilatation rate (mm/year) and evaluated the comorbidity and anatomical factors using univariate and multiple linear regression models. Post-hoc multiple linear regression models were fitted to evaluate the possible interactions.
Results:
The mean age was 61.4 years (range 35-85 years), and the initial aneurysm diameter was 15.1 mm (range 3-47 mm). The mean dilatation rate was 0.26 mm/year (range 0-3.2 mm/year) during the follow-up period (average 4.6 years). Univariate analysis revealed that, portal hypertension (PHT) (P = 0.0003), egg-shell appearance (P = 0.007), and aneurysm diameter > 20 mm (P = 0.05) were significantly associated with the dilatation rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that egg-shell appearance was found to be an independent inverse risk factor of dilatation rate (P = 0.006). The multivariate analysis, including interaction terms, revealed a stronger effect of PHT and diameter >20 mm in cases with no egg-shell appearance (P = 0.08 and P = 0.05 for interactions, respectively).
Conclusions:
The egg-shell appearance of SAA was an independent inverse risk factor affecting the SAA dilatation rate. The dilatation rates in the case of PHT and diameter >20 mm were restricted in the presence of the egg-shell appearance.
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