Endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms

Visceral artery aneurysms: A shred of light on rare entities

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and pseudoaneurysms are rare but clinically significant vascular pathologies with potentially fatal complications including rupture. VAAs are often asymptomatic and frequently discovered incidentally during imaging performed for unrelated reasons. Their pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management vary based on the etiology, anatomical location, and patient-specific factors. The prognosis for conservatively managed VAAs is generally favorable, with slow growth rates and low rupture risks. However, pseudoaneurysms, often associated with trauma or pancreatitis, carry a much higher rupture risk and typically require early intervention, regardless of size. Endovascular techniques have progressively replaced open surgery as the preferred treatment approach due to lower complication rates and comparable long-term outcomes. However, current knowledge is biased by the scarcity of high-quality evidence regarding the natural history, rupture risk, and optimal management of VAAs and pseudoaneurysms, largely due to the rarity of these conditions. Consequently, different international societies have provided recommendations with low strength and, in some cases, conflicting indications.

The management of spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection: A case report and literature review

OBJECTIVES

Spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (SICAD) without associated aortic dissection is a rare disease. Complications are ischemia, aneurysm formation, and rupture. Different treatment options have been reported for managing SICAD, including conservative management, endovascular intervention, and open surgery. Despite the increased recognition of this disease, there are no consensus guidelines on management of this condition. To improve the knowledge and treatment of this disease, a case of SICAD was reported.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We describe the case of a 57-year-old woman with SICAD whose symptoms improved after endovascular treatment when conservative treatment failed and systematically analyze the management strategy for patients with SICAD.

CONCLUSIONS

SICAD is a rare disease and has no universally agreed upon guidelines for treatment. Most patients can be first treated conservatively for dissection with strict blood pressure control, antithrombotic therapy, and intensive surveillance. For SICAD patients with aneurysms located in the celiac trunk, stent grafts can be used in such patients without affecting the branch blood supply.

Embolization of multiple splenic artery aneurysms in a patient with hypersplenism due to portal hypertension: a case report

Aneurysms of the splenic artery are the third most common type of intra-abdominal aneurysms and the most common type of visceral aneurysms. Portal hypertension is a significant risk factor for development of these aneurysms. We report the case of a white, female, 52-year-old patient with multiple splenic artery aneurysms and hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension and cirrhosis. Abdominal angiotomography identified six splenic aneurysms. In this scenario, an endovascular intervention was scheduled to conduct embolization using controlled release coils and Onyx™ embolization agent. The three largest aneurysms were treated. Control angiographs showed good exclusion of the aneurysms. The endovascular technique therefore proved to be a good choice considering the patient's comorbidities and blood disorders. In this case, the procedure was successful. There were no immediate or long-term complications. The patient recovered well and is in clinical follow-up.

Long-term Outcome Comparison of 2 Techniques for Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysms

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to analyze our single-center experience in endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) with transcatheter coil embolization, comparing long-term outcomes of packing and sandwich techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2021, 28 patients with certain diagnosis of non-ruptured asymptomatic SAA were treated with 2 different embolization techniques (packing, n=10, and sandwich, n=18). Early outcomes assessed were technical success, overall mortality, mean hospital stay, post-embolization syndrome rate, and freedom from splenectomy rate. Estimated 5-year outcomes in terms of freedom from sac reperfusion, and freedom from reintervention were evaluated and compared between the 2 different embolization techniques.

RESULTS

The mean SAA diameter was 2.8±0.8 cm. Overall technical success rate was 100%. Intraoperative and 30-day mortality rates were 0 in both groups. One patient in the sandwich group required a postoperative splenectomy. The mean follow-up period was 58.3±44.5 months. Estimated overall 5-year survival was 86.7%. Five-year freedom from sac reperfusion was 100% in the sandwich group, and 85.7% in the packing group, with no difference between the 2 groups (p=0.131), whereas freedom from reintervention was 100% in the sandwich group, and 75% in the packing group with a statistically significant difference (p=0.049; log-rank=3.750).

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization of SAAs seemed to be safe and effective with 100% of technical success rate and good perioperative results. Both sandwich and packing techniques yielded promising results also in the long-term period.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Transcatheter coil embolization of splenic artery aneurysms seems to be a safe and effective procedure with a 100% technical success and satisfactory perioperative outcomes. Sandwich and packing techniques offer good results in the long-term period. Freedom from reintervention seems to be optimal and comparable between the 2 techniques.

Efficacy and Rationale of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Thrombin Injection in Visceral Artery Pseudoaneurysm Not Amenable to Angioembolization

BACKGROUND

Pseudoaneurysm usually occurs after vascular injuries or erosions such as in trauma or inflammation like pancreatitis and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

AIM

The aim of study is to assess efficacy and safety of EUS-guided thrombin injection in pseudoaneurysm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective data collection was done at SMS Hospital, Jaipur, from January 2015 to March 2023. All patients with pseudoaneurysm were consecutively enrolled.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (M/F, 18:2) with median age of 41 years (25-58 years), were studied. Underlying etiology of pseudoaneurysm was chronic pancreatitis in 75% of the patients, blunt trauma abdomen in 15% of the patients, recurrent acute pancreatitis in 5%, and idiopathic in 5% of the patients. At the time of admission, mean hemoglobin was 6.7 g/dL (3.4-8.2), with median blood transfusion requirement was 2 units (0-6 units). Hemoglobin values after 4-6 weeks showed a significant improvement ( t = 9.21, P < 0.05).Mean dose of human thrombin required for complete obliteration of pseudoaneurysm was 520 ± 188.6 IU per patient (300-800 IU). Amount of thrombin (IU) dose needed to achieve complete obliteration correlated well significantly with the dimension of pseudoaneurysm, P value less than 0.05 ( R = 0.80). Median follow-up duration in this study was 44 months (3-84 months), which was the longest follow-up period by far.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided thrombin injection in visceral artery pseudoaneurysm is a safe and effective alternative for patients not amenable for digital subtraction angiography-guided angioembolization.

Intraperitoneal Haemorrhage Secondary to Rupture of Right Colic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report and Literature Review

This article presents the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented feeling unwell with pain in the right upper abdomen for three days. She had a history of splenic infarcts, was on lifelong warfarin and had recently returned from a trip to Gambia. She was admitted to the hospital under suspicion of sepsis of unknown origin, and a CT scan later revealed haemoperitoneum along with a pseudoaneurysm of the right colic artery. After initially responding to resuscitation, the patient deteriorated haemodynamically, and a decision was made to perform a laparotomy, revealing a ruptured right colic artery pseudoaneurysm. In this article, the authors highlight the challenges of managing a complex unwell patient with a ruptured right colic artery pseudoaneurysm, emphasising the importance of a multi-disciplinary team approach and shared decision-making and reviewing the available literature.

Spontaneous rupture of a gastroduodenal artery side branch immediately following endovascular treatment of gastroepiploic artery aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm

Key clinical massage

Pseudoaneurysms and aneurysms of the visceral arteries are rare entities. To the best of our knowledge, rupture of a proximal parental artery during endovascular treatment of a visceral aneurism/pseudoaneurysm has not been reported and should be kept in mind as a tragic possibility immediately following an apparently successful management of them.

Abstract

A 55-year-old woman with a history of coronary artery disease was referred to our hospital with abdominal pain as her primary complaint. Early works revealed anemia, a small amount of free peritoneal fluid, and a possible large aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm by the greater curvature of the stomach. She underwent emergency angiography that showed a large aneurism/pseudoaneurysm of the gastroepiploic artery. Successful embolization of the lesion was performed using the isolation technique. Perforation of a side branch of the gastroduodenal artery was observed on the immediate postembolization control angiography. Therefore, parent artery coiling was done immediately with good results. She was symptom-free and stable hemodynamically after the procedure, during the hospital course, and in the follow-ups.

Technical considerations of endovascular management of true visceral artery aneurysms

BACKGROUND

True visceral artery aneurysms are potentially complex to treat but with advances in technology and increasing interventional radiology expertise over the past decade are now increasingly the domain of the interventional radiologist. BODY: The interventional approach is based on localization of the aneurysm and identification of the anatomical determinants to treat these lesions to prevent aneurysm rupture. Several different endovascular techniques are available and should be selected carefully, dependent on the aneurysm morphology. Standard endovascular treatment options include stent-graft placement and trans-arterial embolisation. Different strategies are divided into parent artery preservation and parent artery sacrifice techniques. Endovascular device innovations now include multilayer flow-diverting stents, double-layer micromesh stents, double-lumen balloons and microvascular plugs and are also associated with high rates of technical success.

CONCLUSION

Complex techniques such as stent-assisted coiling and balloon-remodeling techniques are useful techniques and require advanced embolisation skills and are further described.

Surgical repair of a symptomatic celiac artery aneurysm with resection and end-to-end anastomosis

A true aneurysm of the celiac artery is a rare form of a visceral aneurysm, constituting ∼4% of visceral aneurysms. Mortality in ruptured cases is high; thus, early recognition and treatment are crucial. Recent guidelines suggest endovascular therapy; however, numerous complications are associated with endoluminal treatment. Open repair in select cases, using an individualized strategy fit for the patient's anatomy still provides excellent early and long-term results. Our patient was treated with open surgical resection and end-to-end anastomosis of the celiac and common hepatic arteries. A 43-month follow-up computed tomography angiogram revealed excellent hepatic artery patency and no pseudoaneurysm formation.

Acute management of mesenteric emergencies: Tailoring the solution to the problem

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) constitutes a life-threatening problem that can result in death, multiorgan failure, and severe nutritional disability. Although AMI is a rare cause of acute abdominal emergencies, ranging between 1 and 2 individuals per 10,000, the morbidity and mortality rates are high. Arterial embolic etiology composes nearly one-half of AMIs, with a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain considered the most common symptom. Arterial thrombosis is the second most common cause of AMI, which presents similarly to arterial embolic AMI, although often more severe due to anatomic differences. Veno-occlusive causes of AMI are the third most common and are associated with an insidious onset of vague abdominal pain. Each patient is unique, and the treatment plan should be tailored to their individual needs. This may include considering the patient's age, comorbidities, and overall health, as well as their preferences and personal circumstances. A multidisciplinary approach involving specialists from different fields, such as surgeons, interventional radiologists, and intensivists, is recommended for the best possible outcome. Potential challenges in tailoring an optimal treatment plan for AMI may include delayed diagnosis, limited availability of specialized care, or patient factors that make some interventions less feasible. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive and collaborative approach, with regular review and adjustment of the treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.

Endovascular embolization of visceral artery aneurysm: a retrospective study

To assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular embolization techniques, we compared the short- to medium-term prognosis of coil embolization for symptomatic visceral aneurysms (SVAA) and asymptomatic visceral aneurysms (ASVAA) to identify risk factors associated with 30-day mortality. Explore the symptom profile and intrinsic associations of SVAA. A retrospective study of 66 consecutive patients at two tertiary care hospitals from 2010 to 2020 compared the short- to mid-term outcomes of 22 symptomatic VAAs and 44 asymptomatic VAAs treated with coil embolization. Univariate and log-rank tests were used to analyze the prognostic impact of SVAA and ASVAA. SVAA group had significantly higher 30-day mortality than ASVAA group (2(9.1%) vs 0, P = 0.042), both patients who died had symptomatic pseudoaneurysms. Perioperative complications such as end-organ ischemia (P = 0.293) and reintervention (P = 1) were similar in both groups. No difference in event-free survival was identified between the two groups (P = 0.900), but we found that the majority of pseudoaneurysms were SVAA (4/5) and that they had a much higher event rate than true aneurysms. In addition, dyslipidemia may be an influential factor in the development of VAA (P = 0.010). Coil embolization is a safe and effective method of treatment for VAA. Most pseudoaneurysms have symptoms such as abdominal pain and bleeding, and in view of their risk, more attention should be paid to symptomatic patients and the nature of the aneurysm should be determined as soon as possible to determine the next stage of treatment.

Crohn's Disease and Jejunal Artery Aneurysms: A Report of the First Case and a Review of the Literature

Background and Objectives: Jejunal artery (JA) and ileal artery (IA) aneurysms constitute less than 3% of all visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs), carrying a risk of rupture as high as 30%, and a mortality of 20%. Though many etiologies have been reported in the literature, no mention exists on a causal association between these aneurysms and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We present the first case of a JA aneurysm related to Crohn's Disease (CD) together with a review of the literature. Materials and Methods: A 74-year-old male presenting with CD intestinal relapse and an incidental finding at the computed tomography enterography (CTE) of a 53 × 47 × 25mm apparently intact JA pseudoaneurysm, arising from the first and second jejunal branches, underwent coil embolization followed by small bowel resection, with an uneventful outcome. We also included the review of literature on JA and IA aneurysms, analyzing all reports published in PubMed and Scopus from 1943 to July 2022. Results: 60 manuscripts with 103 cases of JA and IA aneurysms in 100 patients were identified. Among cases with available data, 34 (33.0%) presented acutely with rupture, 45 (43.7%) were described as non-ruptured. 83 (80.6%), and 14 (13.6%) were JA and IA aneurysms, respectively, having a median size of 15 (range:3.5-52) mm. Atherosclerosis (16.5%), infections (10.7%), and vasculitides/connective tissue disorders (9.7%) represented the main causes mentioned. Mean age was 53.6 (±19.2) years, male patients being 59.4%. One third of patients (32.4%) were asymptomatic. Overall, treatment was indicated in 63% of patients, with surgery and endovascular procedures performed in 61.9% and 38.1% cases, respectively. The technical success rate of endovascular treatment (EVT) was 95.8%. The mortality rate was 11.8%, being higher (21.2%) in the rupture group. Conclusions: The prompt treatment accomplished in our case granted a successful outcome. JA and IA aneurysms should be included among local complications of IBD. Considering their high potential for rupture, regardless of size, a low threshold for endovascular or surgical treatment should be applied.

Ruptured splenic artery aneurysms in pregnancy and usefulness of endovascular treatment in selective patients: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

The rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) in pregnancy is an uncommon condition. However, it is associated with high mortality rates in pregnant women and fetuses even after surgical treatment. Though the endovascular treatment of SAAs is currently preferred as it can improve the outcomes even in emergent cases, the endovascular treatment of a ruptured SAA during pregnancy has not been reported until date.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a 33-year-old woman with the sudden onset of epigastric pain due to a ruptured SAA at the mid-portion of the splenic artery at 18 wk of pregnancy. After emergent initial resuscitation, the patient was diagnosed with a ruptured SAA through digital angiography. Immediately upon diagnosis, she underwent emergent endovascular embolization of the splenic artery for the rupture on the spot. Next, surgery was performed to remove the hematoma under stable conditions. Although the fetus was found to be dead during resuscitation, the woman recovered without complications and was discharged 15 d postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment might be a valuable alternative to surgery/lead to safer surgery for selected pregnant patients with ruptured SAAs.

Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysms: The Role of ce-CT for Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a contained vascular wall lesion associated with a high mortality rate, generally related to pancreatitis, trauma, malignancy, iatrogenic injury, and segmental arterial mediolysis. Computed tomography angiography allows us to visualize the vascular anatomy, differentiate a PSA from an aneurysm, and provide adequate information for endovascular/surgical treatment. The present review reports on the main state-of-the-art splenic artery PSA diagnosis, differentiating between the pros and cons of the imaging methods and about the endovascular treatment.

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm with rupture: an atypical cause of abdominal pain

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm management has evolved in the last 20 years with a greater emphasis on interventional radiological intervention. This case reviews a 60-year-old lady who had a ruptured superior mesenteric aneurysm resulting in a large mesenteric haematoma.

Successful Endovascular and Endoscopic Treatment of a Symptomatic Celiac Artery Aneurysm for Obstructive Jaundice: A Clinical Case Report

BACKGROUND

Celiac artery aneurysm (CAA) is an infrequent aneurysm of the celiac visceral branch and is potentially life-threatening, mainly due to the risk of rupture. CAA is often diagnosed following rupture and rarely diagnosed secondary to a primary manifestation; obstructive jaundice is extremely rare and poorly described. This clinical case report reports a combined endovascular and endoscopic noninvasive treatment.

METHODS

A 51-year old male was admitted to the emergency department at the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova in Reggio Emilia following several days of jaundice. The patient did not have any history of abdominal trauma, chronic pancreatitis, bile duct calculus or alcohol abuse. Cholestatic impairment was demonstrated by blood analyses and abdominal ultrasound revealed a large cephalo-pancreatic mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a 40 mm CAA, causing a common bile duct (CBD) compression and dilatation of the hepatic bile ducts. After a multidisciplinary team consultation, a noninvasive, combined endovascular and endoscopic approach was programmed in a hybrid room.

RESULTS

Immediate results confirmed successful exclusion of the CAA, stent graft patency and the absence of endoleak with correct positioning of a plastic stent in the CBD. At 1 month, an abdominal CT-angiography (CTA) evidenced a type II endoleak, successfully treated with an endovascular secondary procedure and an asymptomatic, partial downward dislodgement of the plastic stent in the CBD was correct with the positioning of 2 plastic stents. At 3-months cholangiography showed no dilation of intraepatic biliary ducts.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic CAA with common bile duct compression could be amenable to a combined endovascular and endoscopic noninvasive treatment.

Endovascular Oriented Classification and Treatment of Celiac Trunk Aneurysms: 10 Years Experience

OBJECTIVE

To propose an endovascular-oriented classification of celiac trunk aneurysms (CTa) and discuss single center results of this rare pathology.

METHODS

Data of all patients admitted to our institution for CTa from 2011 to 2021 were prospectively collected. Of them, those who underwent endovascular treatment were retrospectively analyzed. All preoperative CT scans were reviewed and CTa were classified in 4 different configurations based on progressive distal landing zone. We excluded from the classification all cases with median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), patients with coexistent aortic dilation or no endovascular proximal neck. Preoperative demographics, intraoperative data and post-operative complications were recorded. All-cause late mortality and complications were identified through a review of office charts and telephone assessment.

RESULTS

During the study period 19 patients were referred to our Institution for CTa. Ten patients underwent endovascular treatment (ET). In 6 cases a watchful waiting strategy was adopted, 2 (10.5 %) patients refused ET and one patient without suitable proximal landing zone (< 10 mm) was not proposed to open surgical repair for surgical contraindication but is followed by strict instrumental and clinical evaluation. Six (60%) patients presented type 2 CTa; all of them underwent ET requiring positioning of covered stent-graft and SA embolization. Three (30%) patients presented type 3 CTa; all of them underwent ET with covered stent-graft deployment over the GDA with preliminary embolization. One (10%) patient presented type 4 CTa that was treated by means of covered stent-graft deployment along the right hepatic artery with left hepatic artery embolization. Overall, no major complications and perioperative mortality was observed.

CONCLUSION

Celiac trunk aneurysms are rare, and no classifications have still been presented. Stent-graft exclusion provides excellent short-term outcome with no significant morbidity and mortality rate when technically feasible.

Endovascular treatment of an asymptomatic hepatic artery aneurism: case report

We report a case of an asymptomatic, 77-year-old, male patient with arterial hypertension and no other comorbidities or risk factors for coronary disease. During a routine abdominal ultrasound examination, he was diagnosed with a hepatic vascular mass with an approximate diameter of 5 cm. Abdominal computed angiotomography was requested, showing an aneurysm of the hepatic artery, with maximum diameter of up to 5.2 cm, longest longitudinal axis of 7.2 cm, and a maximum true lumen caliber of 3.0 cm. We opted for endovascular aneurysm repair with implantation of three sequential Lifestream covered vascular stents (7x58mm, 8x58mm, and 8x37mm), successfully diverting the flow through the stents and excluding the aneurysm. The patient remains asymptomatic and free from clinical complications 2 years after the procedure. Control examinations with arterial duplex ultrasound 6 and 12 months after the procedure showed good flow through the stents with no leakage into the aneurysmal sac.

Pseudoaneurisma roto de artéria ileocólica: relato de caso

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) are rare conditions and are potentially lethal when they rupture. They are usually found as incidental findings on computed tomography (CT) scans of asymptomatic patients. Although conventional open surgery is currently considered the gold standard treatment, the endovascular approach has gained prominence as a minimally invasive procedure with lower surgical risk. In this approach, use of coil embolization in saccular VAAs and VAPAs and implantation of flow-modulating stents constitute alternative treatments for fusiform aneurysms. We present the case of a 51-year-old female patient complaining of acute abdominal pain, tachycardia, and hypotension, with evidence of abdominal bleeding on CT angiography, who was diagnosed with a ruptured ileocolic artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm. She underwent early endovascular treatment for ICA embolization, which was successful and achieved clinical improvement.

Efficacy of endovascular embolization of arterial pseudoaneurysms in pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a significant variability in the reported outcomes following endovascular embolization of arterial pseudoaneurysms in pancreatitis. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of endovascular embolization of pancreatitis-related pseudoaneurysms.

METHODS

Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were performed through July 1, 2019 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. All studies with ≥10 patients reporting technical success, clinical success, complications, and mortality were included. Generalized linear mixed method with random effects model was used for assessing pooled incidence rates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies (n = 840 with 638 pseudoaneurysms) were included. The pooled incidence rates of pseudoaneurysms in acute and chronic pancreatitis were 0.05% and 0.03%, respectively (odds ratio, 0.91, 95% CI-0.24-3.43). The most common site of pseudoaneurysm was splenic artery (37.7%). The most common embolization agent was coil (n = 415). The follow up period was 54.7 months (range, 21 days to 40.5 months). Pooled technical success rate was 97% (95% CI-92-99%, I² 83%). Clinical success rates at ≤3 months, 3-12 months, and >12 months were 82% (95% CI-70-90%, I² 42%), 86% (95% CI-75-92%, I² 44%), and 88% (95% CI-83-91%, I² 0%), respectively. There was no significant difference in the technical or clinical success between acute and chronic pancreatitis on subgroup analysis. Mortality was lower in chronic pancreatitis (OR 4.27 (95% CI 1.35-13.53, I² 0%)). Splenic infarction was the most common complication (n = 47).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular embolization is associated with a high technical and clinical success.

Application of interventional embolization in the treatment of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of endovascular embolization for the treatment of pseudoaneurysm secondary to previous abdominal and pelvic surgery or radiological percutaneous abdominal procedure. A retrospective review was performed on all patients with abdominal and pelvic pseudoaneurysm confirmed by CT angiography or digital subtraction angiography and treated with endovascular embolization. Different techniques of embolization with coils were applied and the outcomes, including clinical effectiveness and safety, were assessed. A total of 31 patients with a total of 32 pseudoaneurysms were included in the present study. Of these pseudoaneurysms, 23 were from the main trunks and branches of the gastroduodenal artery, 5 were from the splenic artery, 2 were from the common hepatic artery, 1 was from the right hepatic artery and 1 was from the right internal iliac artery. There were no serious complications observed and there was no occurrence of re-bleeding following embolization. The embolization of the pseudoaneurysms was successful in all patients. In conclusion, endovascular embolization is a safe and effective method for the treatment of secondary iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm in the abdomen and pelvis.

Clinical efficacy of coil embolization in treating pseudoaneurysm post-Whipple operation

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of angiography and coil embolization for pseudoaneurysm post-pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). A total of 17 patients with gastrointestinal or abdominal hemorrhage after PD were included in the present study. Angiography was performed on the celiac artery, common hepatic artery, splenic artery, gastroduodenal artery and superior mesenteric artery to determine the size of the pseudoaneurysm, the parent artery and its collateral branches. A variety of embolization techniques have been applied to embolize pseudoaneurysm, including the sac packing technique, proximal embolization, exclusion technique and sandwich technique. Different techniques with coils were used for embolization and the clinical effects of embolization were analyzed. A total of 18 pseudoaneurysms were identified in 17 patients. In 2 patients, severe technical complications occurred, including migration of the coil and rupture of pseudoaneurysm, and one of them died, which may have been associated with this complication. No serious clinical complications were observed in the other patients. A total of 7 patients had mild clinical complications, including mild abdominal and dorsal pain, which were alleviated after symptomatic management. A total of 15 patients with definite pseudoaneurysm were successfully embolized without re-bleeding and complications. The clinical success rate was 94.1% (16/17). In conclusion, a variety of embolization techniques may be applied for the treatment of pseudoaneurysm after PD, which have high technical and clinical success rates and small trauma. It is recommended in emergency situations, but care should be taken to avoid serious technical complications.

Life-Threatening Rupture of an Idiopathic Left Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Successfully Treated with Endovascular Coil Embolization

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare condition; they are multifactorial, most of them locating in the extrahepatic vasculature and the mortality associated to its rupture may reach up to 70%. We report a 77 years old female who was admitted due to headache and uncontrolled hypertension and that on her second hospital day developed sudden hemodynamic instability, abdominal pain, fatigue, skin-mucosa pallor, and anemia. Abdominal CT scan with contrast showed a left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm associated with extensive hemoperitoneum. Patient required emergent hemodynamic stabilization and finally was treated successfully with a superselective endovascular coil embolization. Our patient represents an atypical case of a spontaneous rupture of an idiopathic hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. Hence, the importance of having a high index of clinical suspicion. Endovascular coil embolization has become the first-line treatment.

Left Gastric Pseudoaneurysm in a Case of Chronic Pancreatitis: A Case Report With Review of Literature

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms are common complications of pancreatitis that carry a high mortality rate. Early detection and treatment of the pseudoaneurysms should be done as they carry high mortality following rupture. The splenic artery is the commonest artery involved followed by gastroduodenal and pancreaticoduodenal arteries. Gastric artery pseudoaneurysms are less common with less than 50 cases reported in the literature till now. We describe a case of gastric artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to chronic pancreatitis in a patient who presented with intermittent GI bleeding and also describe the role of endovascular management in the treatment of the same.

Splenic aneurysms: natural history and treatment techniques

True splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are a rare, but potentially fatal, pathology. They are the third most common type of abdominal aneurysm, after aneurysms of the aorta and of the iliac artery, and account for almost the all aneurysms of visceral arteries. True aneurysms account for 60% of SAA and affect four times as many women as men, generally related to increased incidental or symptomatic findings that coincide with use of ultrasonography in pregnancy. Among pregnant patients, mortality after rupture is 65-75%, with fetal mortality exceeding 90%. There are multiple etiologies and it is believed that hormonal influences and changes in portal flow during gestation play an important role in development of SAA. This review discusses their history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis and current treatment techniques.

Long-term outcomes of elective transcatheter dense coil embolization for splenic artery aneurysms: a two-center experience

Objective

This study was performed to analyze the long-term follow-up safety and efficacy of transcatheter dense coil embolization for splenic artery aneurysms.

Methods

Thirty-two patients (18 women, 14 men; age range, 23–56 years; mean age, 43.1 ± 13.6 years) who underwent dense coil embolization for treatment of splenic artery aneurysms from August 2010 to January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The size and location of the splenic artery aneurysms, the technical and clinical outcomes of the procedure, and the complications related to the procedure were reviewed.

Results

The technical success rate of embolization was 100% (mean aneurysm size, 29.4 ± 6.9 mm; range, 20–43 mm). Two (6.3%) patients underwent a successful repeat intervention procedure for recurrent aneurysm perfusion during follow-up (mean, 36 months; range, 6–72 months). No aneurysm ruptured during follow-up. Splenic infarction was observed in 8 of 32 (25%) patients. No patients developed major adverse events related to the procedure, such as splenic abscess or pancreatitis.

Conclusions

Percutaneous elective transcatheter dense coil embolization is safe and effective to prevent aneurysm rupture and overcome aneurysm recanalization during long-term follow-up.

Successful endovascular treatment of a recurrent giant celiac artery aneurysm

Visceral artery aneurysms are very rare and aneurysms of the celiac trunk are the rarest ones: they are in most cases asymptomatic and their detection is frequently incidental. In this article we report the case of a man affected by severe abdominal pain with a huge aneurysm of the celiac trunk, first successfully treated with coil embolization, but, after 10 months, another endovascular embolization was required for deployment of the metallic coils previously released, ahead into the fund of the sac with recanalization of the aneurysm. A second endovascular treatment was performed with other coils and Amplatzer-Plug. The high risk of rupture makes treatment of such aneurysms mandatory and surgery is still considered the gold standard therapy of VAA, but, due to its high morbidity and mortality risks, in the last years, it has been widely replaced by endovascular embolization. An effective endovascular embolization requires not only the complete filling of the aneurysmal sac, but also the complete vascular exclusion of its in-flow and out-flow tracts, to reduce the risk of its anterograde or retrograde reperfusion.

Ruptured Multifocal Hepatic Aneurysms in a Woman with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Successfully Treated with Transcatheter Arterial Embolization: A Case Report and Literature Review

To present a first reported case of ruptured multifocal hepatic aneurysms in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was treated successfully with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in literature, similar cases in the previous English literature were also reviewed and analyzed to summarize the clinical manifestations, management, and outcome in these patients. The data were gathered from the medical record and literature reviews were searched from PudMed. In our review, patients with SLE-related hepatic aneurysms were often middle-aged females. Most of them presented with acute abdominal pain and hypotension. The overall mortality rate was 50%, but it was lower (12.5%) in patients who received TAE. Both TAE and surgical intervention are used to treat SLE-related hepatic aneurysms. Our review raised concerns about early detection, diagnosis, and prompt intervention of possible hepatic aneurysm rupture in patients with SLE.

Visceral artery aneurysms - classification, diagnosis and treatment

Although visceral artery aneurysms are rare, mortality due to their rupture is high, estimated at even 25–75%. That is why it is significant to detect each such lesion. Visceral artery aneurysms are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally during examinations performed for other indications. Autopsy results suggest that most asymptomatic aneurysms remain undiagnosed during lifetime. Their prevalence in the population is therefore higher. The manifestation of a ruptured aneurysm depends on its location and may involve intraperitoneal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal and portal system bleeding with concomitant portal hypertension and bleeding from esophageal varices. Wide access to diagnostic tests, for example ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, helps establish the correct diagnosis and a therapeutic plan as well as select appropriate treatment. After a procedure, the same diagnostic tools enable assessment of treatment efficacy, or are used for the monitoring of aneurysm size and detection of potential complications in cases that are ineligible for treatment. The type of treatment depends on the size of an aneurysm, the course of the disease, risk of rupture and risk associated with surgery or endovascular procedure. Endovascular treatment is preferred in most cases. Aneurysms are excluded from the circulation using embolization coils, ethylene vinyl alcohol, stents, multilayer stents, stent grafts and histoacryl glue (or a combination of these methods).

Endovascular treatment of pseudoaneurysms secondary to chronic pancreatitis: reports of two cases

Pseudoaneurysm secondary to chronic pancreatitis is a rare complication, but one with a high mortality rate. It is etiologically associated with chronic pancreatitis, and most diagnoses are made after rupture, which manifests with clinical signs of acute hemorrhage. Computed tomography plays an important role in diagnosis, but digital subtraction angiography remains the gold-standard method for diagnostic confirmation and for treatment planning. This article describes two cases of pseudoaneurysm in patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis; one involving the splenic artery and the other the gastroduodenal artery, complicated by thoracic and abdominal bleeding respectively. Both were successfully treated, using minimally invasive endovascular methods to implant coils and stent-grafts.

A Rare Surgical Case of Giant Jejunal Artery Aneurysm in a Young Patient

Aneurysms of the abdominal visceral arteries are infrequently encountered. Jejunal artery aneurysm (JAA) is one of the rarest visceral aneurysms, especially in young patients. Endovascular surgery tends to be an effective treatment for visceral artery aneurysms. Here, we report a case of symptomatic JAA with a peripheral dilated vessel in a young patient. However, in consideration of the patient's anatomic suitability and young age, we chose open surgical intervention with intraoperative angiography. Thus, we could resect the aneurysm and the peripheral dilated vessel, preserve the bowel, and leave no devices that could cause further complication. The choice of the most appropriate treatment should depend on aneurysm characteristics and the background of the patient.

Comparison of open surgery and endovascular procedures as a therapeutic choice for visceral artery aneurysms

Objectives Visceral arterial aneurysms may be treated using open surgery or endovascular repair, but the best approach remains controversial. This was a retrospective study aiming to compare open surgery and endovascular treatment strategies for visceral arterial aneurysms. Methods The study included all 93 patients who were admitted with visceral artery aneurysms between January 2001 and January 2011 at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China. All cases underwent either open or endovascular procedures. Overall survival and adverse events were compared between the groups. Success rate, blood loss, length of surgery, and length of hospital stay were also compared. The patients were followed up at three, six, and 12 months then every year until April 2014. Results Open surgery was performed on 34 patients and endovascular procedures on 59. There were no differences in characteristics of the patients between the open surgery and endovascular groups. The perioperative complication rate was 52.9 and 13.6% in the open surgery and endovascular groups, respectively. Mean follow-up was 36.8 months (range: 11 months to 10 years). The one- and five-year survival rates were 100 and 60.6%, respectively, in the open surgery group, compared to 100 and 84.5% in the endovascular group. Multivariate analysis for factors related to overall survival showed that there was a significant relationship with the treatment approach (HR = 0.479, 95%CI: 0.278-0.825; P = 0.008) and the presence of false aneurysm (HR = 2.929, 95%CI: 1.388-6.180, P = 0.005). Conclusions Endovascular repair could be considered as an effective method for visceral artery aneurysm. Endovascular repair showed lower perioperative complication rates and better long-term survival.

Hepatic artery aneurysm: an unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal bleed

An 86-year-old woman presented to hospital with melaena. This was her third presentation with the same symptom. There was no obvious source of bleeding on her oesophagogastroduodenoscopy; however, it did show a previously clipped Dieulafoy lesion. CT angiography showed an aneurysm arising from the hepatic artery. Selective coeliac artery angiogram showed aneurysmal dilatation of the distal part of the coeliac trunk and confirmed the presence of the common hepatic artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was coiled by the interventional radiologist. Final angiogram showed good flow through the hepatic artery with obliteration of the inferior patch. The procedure was uncomplicated and the patient was discharged shortly afterwards.

Rebleeding of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm after Coil Embolisation

Background. Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is an uncommon and difficult diagnosis. SAA is more common in females. Only 20% of SAA is symptomatic and may present as a rupture. A ruptured SAA is associated with a 25% mortality rate. Case Presentation. We present a case of a male patient with a bleeding SAA that rapidly increased in size. Distal coiling was technically impossible and despite proximal coil embolisation the SAA continued to bleed. A laparotomy including splenectomy and partial pancreatectomy was performed with an uneventful patient recovery. Discussion. Endovascular management is currently considered the optimal treatment of SAA. However, careful monitoring and follow-up is needed after embolisation as rapid recanalization of the SAA may possibly occur, especially when distal coiling of the aneurysm is unsuccessful. Conclusion. Endovascular treatment of an SAA is not necessarily effective. Surgeons must be prepared to perform open procedures to further reduce mortality rates.

Endovascular Stent Exclusion of a Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Presented is a patient with an iatrogenic hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm that was treated by endovascular stent grafting. Endovascular stent grafting of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm offers a safe and potentially less morbid alternative to an open repair. The report stresses the necessity of careful preoperative evaluation with angiography to determine the feasibility of the procedure. An aggressive approach to treating hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms is advocated because of the poor correlation between size and their tendency to rupture. With an increasing rate of diagnosis of visceral artery aneurysms in elderly, debilitated patients, endovascular repair is anticipated to have an increasing role and should be considered a first-line therapy in anatomically suitable candidates.

Mycotic Aneurysm of the Superior Mesenteric Artery: A Delayed Complication from a Neglected Septic Embolus

Mycotic aneurysm formation in a visceral artery carries a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. The authors present a case of a symptomatic superior mesenteric artery aneurysm secondary to a septic embolus in a patient who had undergone aortic valve replacement. The patient initially presented with evidence of acute intestinal ischemia from a presumed embolic source. Although an extensive bowel resection was performed, an adequate search for the embolus was not carried out. Prompt diagnosis and removal of suspected septic emboli must be performed to avoid the formation of delayed mycotic aneurysms.

Visceral Artery Aneurysms: A Symptomatic Aneurysm of the Ileocolic Artery

Visceral artery aneurysm is a rare but clinically important form of vascular pathology, showing a high mortality rate in emergency surgery. Most often these aneurysms cause no symptoms and are therefore incidental findings. Reports on ileocolic artery aneurysms are rare and often anecdotal. Therapeutic procedures can be performed either surgically or by interventional therapeutic techniques. This article presents a case of ruptured ileocolic artery aneurysm and reviews the literature on this topic.

Open versus Endovascular Treatment of Visceral Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms

BACKGROUND

Visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms (VAAP) represent a rare and potential life-threatening disease with a documented incidence of 0.1-2.0%. Treatment options for VAAP vary from open approach with aneurysm excision, exclusion and revascularization to endovascular techniques. Aneurysm anatomy and pathogenesis dictate treatment choice. The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative, short- and mid-term outcomes of open and endovascular approaches.

METHODS

Between January 2007 to April 2015, patients with VAAP who underwent surgical treatment, either by endovascular technique (endovascular surgery [EV] group) or by open surgery (OS group), were selected for analysis. Aneurysm's anatomy and pathogenesis dictated treatment choice. Demographic variables, surgical data, and postoperative follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative computed tomography scans were evaluated for aneurysm characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 296 consecutive patients were identified with VAAP. Surveillance without intervention occurred in 183 patients, and 113 underwent surgical treatment: 57 by EV technique and 56 by OS. The VAAP sites were: splenic (50.9/5.4%), renal (7.0/50%), superior mesenteric (7.0/7.1%), celiac (12.3/17.9%), hepatic (14.0/5.4%), gastroduodenal (7.0/7.1%), and pancreaticoduodenal (1.8/7.1%). Eight urgent surgeries occurred in EV and 5 in OS group (P = 0.39). Operative time and estimated blood loss were 122 ± 54 vs. 312 ± 157 min (P < 0.001) and 5 (interquartile range [IR], 0-50) vs. 550 (IR, 200-980) mL (P < 0.001) in groups EV and OS, respectively. The intraoperative and postoperative major complications, including end-organ infarction, and reinterventions were comparable between the groups. Transfusion of blood products was necessary in 12.3% (EV) and 42.9% (OS; P < 0.001). Median hospital length of stay was 1 (IR, 1-3) and 6 (IR, 4-9) days in groups EV and OS, respectively (P < 0.001). Short-term technical success was achieved in 98.2% (EV) and 96.4% (OS). During the median follow-up period of 16 (IR, 7.1-43.9) months, the clinical success was 91.2% and 92.9% (P = 0.74), and the overall survival was 94.7% and 96.4% (P = 1.0) in groups EV and OS, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Open and endovascular approaches have similar rates of technical and clinical success, as well as mortality during follow-up. However, periprocedural morbidity was significantly higher in cases treated by OS. Although longer-term follow-up is needed to access the durability of the endovascular treatment, initial successful outcomes and low reintervention rates make it a safe and feasible approach.

Interventional Radiology in the Management of Visceral Artery Pseudoaneurysms: A Review of Techniques and Embolic Materials

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms occur mostly as a result of inflammation and trauma. Owing to high risk of rupture, they require early treatment to prevent lethal complications. Knowledge of the various approaches of embolization of pseudoaneurysms and different embolic materials used in the management of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms is essential for successful and safe embolization. We review and illustrate the endovascular, percutaneous and endoscopic ultrasound techniques used in the treatment of visceral artery pseudoaneurysm and briefly discuss the embolic materials and their benefits and risks.

Endovascular Treatment of a Huge Hepatic Artery Aneurysm by Coil Embolization Method: A Case Report

Hepatic artery aneurysms are rare but potentially life threatening. We describe a novel case of a successful endovascular coil embolization of a huge hepatic artery aneurysm. A 67-year-old woman presented with recent abdominal pain that had begun from 2 weeks before referring to our hospital. Sonographic and computerized tomographic (CT) findings revealed a huge hepatic artery aneurysm with 95 mm × 83 mm diameter. The patient underwent an endovascular technique. In aortic angiography, the celiac artery orifice and superior mesenteric artery were so narrow, so sonography was used in order to determine the exact position of the catheter in the celiac artery orifice. The aneurysm was thrombosed using coil embolization. Pulsation of the aneurysm immediately disappeared. Huge hepatic artery aneurysm can be safely treated using coil embolization.

Arterial splanchnic aneurysms: Presentation, treatment and outcome in 112 patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify subgroups with different risks of progression and their appropriate management among the heterogeneous group of 112 patients diagnosed with splanchnic aneurysm.

METHODS

Using radiology databases and medical records of our institution (Hospital Édouard-Hérriot, Lyon, France), we undertook a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with splanchnic artery aneurysms from 1995 to 2011. Cases were analyzed by aneurysm location, etiology and a distinction was also made between true and false aneurysms.

RESULTS

False aneurysms were more likely than true aneurysms to be diagnosed as symptomatic and/or ruptured (TA: 50/66 patients asymptomatic vs. FA: 16/46 asymptomatic, P<0.05) with a rupture rate of 59% (27/46) which was unrelated to the size of aneurysms. Percutaneous treatment was carried in the majority of patients with a final success rate of 91%. Peripancreatic true aneurysms were associated in 75% of cases with celiac occlusive disease and diagnosed mostly in symptomatic patients (7/9: 78%) with a rupture rate of 44% unrelated to their size. Radiologic treatment has faced problems due to failure of catheterization and incomplete embolization, although there have been cases in which delayed occlusion was achieved. Common true aneurysms were incidental findings in 87% (57/66) of patients with 3 ruptured aneurysms which were larger than 2 cm. Observation in that group was safe: significant growth was seen only in one patient and the embolization required was successful. Splanchnic false aneurysms and peripancreatic true aneurysms carried a high and an unpredictable risk of rupture that warranted prompt endovascular treatment as soon as possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Stratification by localization and by the true or false appearance of the aneurysm was an effective (means of identifying) way to identify subgroups with different risks of progression. False aneurysms and peripancreatic true aneurysms carried a high and unpredictable risk of rupture. The splanchnic aneurysms should have been treated in the case of patients of childbearing age, size ≥ 20 mm, and in the case of liver transplantation. Other splanchnic aneurysms should either have been observed, if smaller than 2 cm. In the absence of rigorous published comparisons, surgical and endovascular methods should have been considered equally suitable in the elective treatment of these patients.

Endovascular Stent-Graft Treatment of Giant Celiac Artery Pseudoaneurysm

BACKGROUND

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) comprise an uncommon but life-threatening vascular disease. When rupture is the first clinical presentation, mortality rate reaches 70%. Increased use of cross-sectional imaging has led to a greater rate of diagnosis (40-80%) of asymptomatic VAAs. In the past, surgery was the treatment of choice for VAAs carrying high risk of mortality and morbidity.

CASE REPORT

A 22-year-old man, who had undergone gastric, pancreatic and aortic surgery 2.5 years earlier, presented with progressive abdominal pain. Multidetector computed tomography scan revealed an 8-cm celiac pseudoaneurysm. We report a giant celiac pseudoaneurysm treated with stent-graft implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment of VAA is a safe and effective method alternative to surgery.