Splanchnic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms: transcatheter embolization.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Splanchnic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are rare but serious conditions.
• Treatment options traditionally include open surgery, which carries significant risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter embolization for treating splanchnic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.
• To compare transcatheter embolization with surgical interventions in terms of outcomes and risks.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of eight patients treated for splanchnic artery aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms over seven years.
• All patients underwent transcatheter embolization as the primary treatment modality.

Main Results:

• Successful occlusion of aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms was achieved in all eight patients via embolization.
• Four patients avoided surgery entirely.
• Three patients underwent elective surgery after embolization when their condition was more stable.
• One patient had definitive surgery following embolization.

Conclusions:

• Transcatheter embolization is a highly effective treatment for splanchnic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.
• It offers a less invasive alternative to surgery, avoiding immediate risks for many patients.
• Transcatheter embolization should be considered the initial treatment of choice for these vascular lesions.