The natural history of celiac artery aneurysms

Molly Ratner1, C Austen Hartwell2, Jason Zhang1

  • 1Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.

Vascular
|April 16, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Most celiac artery aneurysms (CAAs) remain stable without rupture or symptoms. Age under 70 may increase growth risk, supporting conservative management for smaller CAAs.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Celiac artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare vascular conditions.
  • Limited data exists on the natural history of untreated CAAs.
  • Existing research often focuses on symptomatic or large aneurysms requiring intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the natural history of celiac artery aneurysms (CAAs).
  • To understand the behavior and growth patterns of untreated CAAs.
  • To evaluate factors influencing CAA progression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with CAA via CT imaging (2015-2019).
  • Inclusion of radiologic, demographic, and clinical follow-up data.
  • Primary endpoint: mean growth rate of CAAs.

Main Results:

  • 76 patients included; 86.8% male, mean age 69.8 years.
  • Mean CAA diameter 15.4 mm; 76.3% saccular.
  • 35.6% of CAAs enlarged over mean follow-up of 25.2 months; no ruptures or symptoms reported. Age <70 associated with growth risk.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of CAAs demonstrate stable size and benign behavior.
  • No symptoms or ruptures observed during clinical follow-up.
  • Conservative management for CAAs <2 cm appears appropriate based on findings.

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