Incidental splenic artery aneurysms: systematic literature review and single-centre study

The natural history and optimal management of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) remain uncertain. We combined a systematic literature review (2000-2025) with a local single-centre retrospective cohort to evaluate the natural history, predictors of growth, and rupture risk of incidental splenic artery aneurysms.

A systematic review of 5 databases (2000-2025) identified longitudinal studies of true SAAs and were quality assessed. A parallel local retrospective cohort of untreated SAA diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) (2008-2023) was analysed. Demographic, imaging, and clinical factors were examined for associations with growth and rupture.

Eight studies plus our local cohort yielded 1774 SAA (1692 patients; mean age 64 years; 70% female). The mean follow-up was 49.5 months. 78% of aneurysms remained stable; the mean growth was 0.04 cm/year. The mean SAA size was 1.7 cm (1.2-2.4 cm). Rupture occurred in 4 aneurysms (0.2%), three <2 cm. Our local cohort of 275 SAA (241 patients; mean age 70; mean follow-up 46 months) grew minimally (0.05 cm/year) with no ruptures. Increasing circumferential calcification independently predicted reduced growth (P = 0.003) similar to 5 other studies. Mural thrombus showed no significant association with growth. Portal hypertension, female sex, size >1.4 cm, and smoking were associated with SAA growth.

Incidental SAAs are typically indolent, with minimal growth and very low rupture risk. Calcification appears protective, while mural thrombus is not predictive of rupture. On discovery of asymptomatic SAAs under 2 cm, yearly surveillance for 3 years seems advisable, with further surveillance at increasing intervals, but prospective multicentre studies are required to refine surveillance strategies.