Multiple large pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms due to celiac artery occlusion: Combination of the aorto-hepatic bypass and coil embolization with a dual approach through both the superior mesenteric artery and bypass

Characteristics and Trends in Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) Associated Visceral Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Descriptive Review of the Literature

Introduction: Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) is associated with true aneurysms, mainly of both the pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) and gastroduodenal artery (GDA). Although rare, their potential for rupture and adverse clinical outcomes warrants analysis. Prior studies suggest high rupture rates even for smaller aneurysms under 2 cm in this setting. We performed a systematic literature review, synthesising the evidence on visceral artery aneurysms related to MAL syndrome, with a focus on descriptive analyses of aneurysm size, presentation, rupture rates, and management. Methods: Literature search was performed using (Medline, EMBASE, Emcare and CINAHL). Inclusion criteria included true aneurysms secondary to MALS with or without rupture. The cases with pseudoaneurysms, concomitant pathologies eg, pancreatitis, conservatively managed aneurysms and articles with non-granular pooled data were excluded. Cases were assessed according to demographics, clinical presentation, aneurysm diameter, aneurysm rupture and management technique. Results: 39 articles describing 72 patients were identified. Aneurysm diameter in symptomatic patients was not significantly different from asymptomatic patients {21.0 and 22.3 mm respectively, P = .84}. Ruptured aneurysms were overall smaller than non-ruptured at presentation {12.3 mm v 30.8 mm respectively, P = .02}. Patients presented with abdominal pain (75.6%), nausea/vomiting (15.6%), hypotension (33.9%), shock (20.0%) and haemodynamic collapse (8.9%). 56.9% of all cases were managed with an endovascular approach, 19.4% were managed with an open surgical approach, and 23.6% were managed hybrid. Conclusion: This review suggests visceral artery aneurysms associated with median arcuate ligament rupture at variable sizes. Despite inability to clearly correlate size and rupture risk, our data supports prompt intervention irrespective of size, given the adverse outcomes. Further research is critically needed to clarify size thresholds or other predictors to guide management.

Staged treatment for pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm with coeliac artery revascularisation: Case report and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite being rare, pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs) carry a risk of rupture of up to 50% and are frequently associated with coeliac artery occlusion.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched using appropriate terms. The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

We present the case of a 2 cm pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm pre-operative angiography demonstrated that the coeliac artery was occluded and the pancreaticoduodenal artery was providing collateral blood supply to the liver. Treatment was a staged hybrid intervention inclusive of an aorto-hepatic bypass using a 6 mm graft, followed by coil embolisation of the aneurysm. We also present a systematic review of the management of PDAAs. Two hundred and ninety-two publications were identified initially with 81 publications included in the final review. Of the 258 peripancreatic aneurysms included, 175 (61%) were associated with coeliac artery disease either occlusion or stenosis. Abdominal pain was the main presentation in 158 cases. Rupture occurred in 111 (40%) of patients with only ten (3.8%) cases being unstable on presentation. Fifty (18%) cases were detected incidentally while investigating another pathology. Over half the cases (n=141/54.6%) were treated by trans arterial embolisation (TAE) alone, while 37 cases had open surgery only. Twenty-one cases needed TAE and a coeliac stent. Seventeen cases underwent hybrid treatment (open and endovascular). Sixteen cases were treated conservatively and in 26 cases, treatment was not specified.

CONCLUSION

PDAAs are commonly associated with coeliac artery disease. The most common presentation is pain followed by rupture. The scarcity of literature about true peripancreatic artery aneurysms associated with CA occlusive disease makes it difficult to assess the natural history or the appropriate treatment. Revascularisation of hepatic artery is better done with bypass in setting of median arcuate ligament compression and occluded celiac trunk.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Peripancreatic Arterial Aneurysms: A 20-year Experience

Pancreaticoduodenal and gastroduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs and GDAAs) are rare visceral aneurysms. Considering the rupture risk regardless of size, treatment should be provided promptly. We reviewed the characteristics and management of peripancreatic aneurysms in a retrospective, single-center review of consecutive patients with PDAAs and GDAAs between 2000 and 2022. Demographics, clinical characteristics, radiologic features, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. Nineteen PDAAs and seven GDAAs were identified in 24 patients. The median sizes of the PDAAs and GDAAs were 21 mm (range: 8-50 mm) and 14 mm (range: 11-32 mm), respectively. There were 4 ruptured cases (15.4%). Ten aneurysms (38.5%) had concomitant visceral aneurysms, and 16 (61.6%) were associated with celiac pathology. Aneurysms were managed using endovascular in 12 (46.2%), surgical in 4 (15.4%), and combined methods in 3 (11.5%) cases; 7 patients (26.9%) were lost to follow-up or refused treatments. During a median 13.8-month follow-up (range: 1-147.6), two complications (7.7%) occurred including pancreatitis and coil migration into the superior mesenteric artery after embolization within 30 days. After 30 days, aorto-common hepatic artery bypass graft stenosis was identified in one PDAA. Depending on the characteristics of peripancreatic aneurysms, endovascular, surgical, and hybrid approaches might all be practical treatment options.

Prevalence of celiac artery compression by median arcuate ligament in patients with splanchnic artery aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms submitted to endovascular embolization

PURPOSE

To study the association between median arcuate ligament compression (MALC) of celiac artery (CA) and splanchnic artery aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms (SAAPs) submitted to endovascular embolization.

METHODS

Single center retrospective study of embolized SAAPs between 2010 and 2021, to evaluate the prevalence of MALC, and compare demographic data and clinical outcomes between patients with and without MALC. As a secondary objective, patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients with different causes of CA stenosis.

RESULTS

MALC was found in 12.3% of 57 patients. SAAPs were more prevalent in the pancreaticoduodenal arcades (PDAs) in patients with MALC, compared to those without MALC (57.1% vs. 10%, P = .009). Patients with MALC had a greater proportion of aneurysms (71.4% vs. 24%, P = .020), as opposed to pseudoaneurysms. Rupture was the main indication for embolization in both groups (71.4% and 54% of patients with and without MALC, respectively). Embolization was successful in most cases (85.7% and 90%), with 5 immediate (28.6% and 6%) and 14 non-immediate (28.6% and 24%) post-procedure complications. Thirty and 90-day mortality rate were 0% in patients with MALC, and 14% and 24% in patients without MALC. Atherosclerosis was the only other cause of CA stenosis, in 3 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with SAAPs submitted to endovascular embolization, the prevalence of CA compression by MAL is not uncommon. The most frequent location for aneurysms in patients with MALC is in the PDAs. Endovascular management of SAAPs is very effective in patients with MALC, with low complications, even in ruptured aneurysms.

Treatment strategies for unruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms associated with celiac artery occlusion

Celiac artery (CA) occlusion or stenosis is identified in up to almost half of all patients undergoing abdominal angiography, and the resulting increased collateral blood flow from the superior mesenteric artery to the pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) may cause PDA aneurysms (PDAAs). PDAAs are rare but could be fatal if they rupture. However, treatment of the PDAA could block this important collateral blood flow pathway, leading to ischemic organ damage. Treatment of such aneurysms is therefore difficult, especially in patients with multiple PDAAs. Successful treatment of PDAAs requires establishing blood flow in the CA region and selecting which aneurysm(s) to treat. We present four patients who underwent surgery for unruptured PDAAs caused by CA obstruction. Blood flow in the CA region was established by bypassing the splenic artery and by anastomosing it either directly to the left renal artery (n = 1) or to the abdominal aorta using a graft (saphenous vein: n = 1; artificial vessel: n = 2). Three patients had multiple PDAAs: all PDAAs were treated in one patient with PDAAs of similar size and shape, but only the largest PDAA with the highest risk of rupture was treated in the other two patients to simplify the procedure. The median observation period was 19.5 months (range: 11-28 months), and all patients were alive without recurrence at the time of writing. Surgical treatment including splenic artery bypass may thus be a viable option for treating patients with unruptured PDAAs.