Endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms — a single-centre experience

Abstract

Background. Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are intra-abdominal aneurysms that occur in the coeliac trunk and the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries or their branches. They are uncommon vascular anomalies but can be life-threatening, with mortality ranging from 10 to 25% and up to 75% in pregnant women. Currently available treatment options include transcatheter embolisation, percutaneous implantation of covered stent, or surgical resection. The aim of our study was to demonstrate methods of minimally invasive endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and to assess their applicability and efficacy.
Material and methods. Between January 2000 and September 2009, 34 patients with VAAs (aged 23–79 years) underwent endovascular treatment. Different techniques were used: 14 aneurysms were embolised with coils, covered stents were implanted in 12 patients, and in 8 cases transcatheter direct thrombin injection into the sack of the aneurysm was implemented.
Results. Almost all aneurysms (33/34) were successfully excluded from the circulation. Follow-up examinations with Doppler USG or angio-CT were performed in 31 patients between 3 and 18 months after treatment. No reperfusion of aneurysmal sac was observed in any of the followed-up patients. Satisfactory results were observed in all 31 examined patients.
Conclusions. Our experience shows that percutaneous treatment of visceral artery aneurysms is both safe and effective. Endovascular treatment of these lesions should be considered as the primary treatment option. Good treatment results depend on proper assessment of the aneurysm’s morphology by means of angio-CT or angiography as well as on selection of the appropriate vascular approach and endovascular technique.
Acta Angiol 2011; 17, 3: 209–218