The Definition, Diagnosis, and Management of Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Giant splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) and pseudoaneurysms (SAPs) represent rare conditions, characterized by a diameter greater than or equal to 5 cm. The risk of rupture is increased compared to common SAAs and SAPs, necessitating urgent treatments to prevent it. Methods: This systematic review was conducted through a comprehensive search involving the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. A total of 82 patients and 65 articles were included in the analysis. For each patient, we investigated age, sex, symptoms, comorbidities, the presence of a true or a false aneurysm, the dimensional criteria used to define dilations as giant aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms, the dimension of the two greatest diameters, imaging studies, surgical treatment, post-operative length of stay (LOS), and post-operative follow-up. Results: The results revealed a similar incidence in both genders (43 males vs. 39 females) with a median age of 55.79 years. The most frequently described symptom was pain (59.76%). Thirteen cases were false aneurysms and 69 were true aneurysms. The mean greatest diameter was 9.90 cm. The CT scan was the most utilized imaging study (80.49%). Open, endovascular, and hybrid surgery were performed in 47, 26, and 9 patients, respectively, with complication rates of 14.89%, 23.08%, and 22.22% occurring for each treatment. The post-operative LOS was 12.29 days, 2.36 days, and 5 days, respectively. The median follow-up was 17.28 months overall. No recanalization was observed after endovascular procedures during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The dimensional criterion to define SAAs and SAPs as giant was most frequently that at least one diameter was ≥ 5 cm. The CT scan was the most frequently utilized radiological study to diagnose giant SAAs and SAPs. Finally, endovascular procedures, open surgeries, and hybrid treatments presented similar post-operative complication rates. The post-operative LOS was lower for the endovascular group, and the follow-up period did not show aneurysm recanalization in any patients.

Keywords: giant splenic artery aneurysm; giant splenic artery pseudoaneurysm; huge splenic artery aneurysm; huge splenic artery pseudoaneurysms; splenic artery aneurysm; splenic artery pseudoaneurysm.

Figure 1

The PRISMA statement. * Consider, if feasible to do so, reporting the number of records identified from each database or register searched (rather than the total number across all databases/registers). ** If automation tools were used, indicate how many records were excluded by a human and how many were excluded by automation tools.