Partial splenic embolization in the management of thalassemia major

Six patients with beta-thalassemia major underwent partial splenic embolization as an alternative to splenectomy. One patient required 2 embolizations. All 6 patients showed a marked reduction in transfusion requirements. Transfusion requirements fell to a level within that reported by other authors following total splenectomy, although significantly above that of a group of patients from the same institution who underwent total splenectomy. It is felt that this procedure provides an acceptable alternative to splenectomy in these patients with the possible preservation of some splenic immune function.