Splenic conservation and the management of splenic artery aneurysm

Abstract

We report two patients with splenic artery aneurysm diagnosed by CT, treated by proximal and distal ligation of the splenic artery and followed for two years by CT to assess splenic size and pitted erythrocyte counting to assess function. Literature review shows that excision of the aneurysm and splenectomy is usual but with growing regard for conservation of splenic tissue we suggest that proximal and distal ligation of the artery is a preferable alternative as shown by splenic function tests in these patients.