Partial splenic embolization for painful splenomegaly

Abstract

Therapeutic splenic embolization has been commonly performed for hypersplenism, tumor palliation, and other indications, but has not been reported as a therapy specifically for pain relief. We describe 1 patient with chronic pain secondary to severe splenomegaly in whom surgery was contraindicated. Selective partial splenic embolization achieved a pain-free state for the patient without significant complications.