Left inferior phrenic arterial malformation mimicking gastric varices: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Gastric submucosal arterial dilation resulting from splenic artery occlusion represents an exceedingly rare etiology of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Although endoscopy is a widely utilized diagnostic and therapeutic modality for gastrointestinal bleeding, it has limitations in detecting arterial abnormalities. CASE SUMMARY: This report presents a rare case of massive UGIB in a 57-year-old male with a tortuous left inferior phrenic artery accompanied by splenic artery occlusion. "Gastric varices" was identified during the patient's endoscopy one year before hemorrhage. Despite initial hemostasis by endoscopic clipping, the patient experienced massive rebleeding after one month, requiring intervention with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) to achieve hemostasis. CONCLUSION: This is the first case to report UGIB due to a tortuous left inferior phrenic artery. This case highlights the limitations of endoscopy in identifying arterial abnormalities and emphasizes the potential of TAE as a viable alternative for the management of arterial bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Management With Cyanoacrylate Glue: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 40-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain, hematochezia, and melena for the past week and was diagnosed with a pseudoaneurysm emanating from the mid-splenic artery. The patient was managed with endovascular cyanoacrylate glue embolization, resulting in the complete resolution of an impending catastrophic hemorrhagic shock.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenic Artery Aneurysms Associated With Infective Endocarditis: A Case Report.

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are a relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease. In recent years, although there have been an increasing number of reports of interventional radiology (IVR) treatment for SAAs, there are still many cases in which surgical intervention is required. In particular, SAAs associated with infective endocarditis (SAAs-IE) are rare, and the treatment strategies and perspectives for SAAs-IE remain controversial. Herein, we report a successful case of laparoscopic splenectomy for SAAs-IE with a literature review.

Gastrointestinal bleeding caused by splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in chronic pancreatitis: a case report and literature review.

Pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery is a rare vascular complication of chronic pancreatitis, with a high mortality rate. Haemorrhage and abdominal pain are the most common manifestations, and so far there are no literature reviews on the rare complication of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm due to chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, we describe a male patient with worsening haemochezia and upper abdominal pain, who had been hospitalized repeatedly for 'pancreatitis' 1 year ago, and relevant investigations confirmed a pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery, which was successfully treated by transarterial embolization, and a literature review is also presented.

Utility of Microvascular Reconstruction in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery During Complex Resections and Emergency Salvage.

Major gastrointestinal surgical resections and subsequent reconstruction can occasionally need arterial or venous resection, can encounter variant anatomy, or may lead to injury to vessels. These can lead to arterial and/or venous insufficiency of viscera like the stomach, liver, colon, or spleen. Left unaddressed, these can lead to, partial or total, organ ischemia or necrosis. This can trigger a cascade of systemic clinical complications resulting in significant morbidity or even mortality. The aim of this case series is to highlight the utility of microvascular plastic surgical principles and practices in countering these vascular insufficiencies in emergency situations. Retrospective analysis of consecutive cases from March 2014 to May 2022, where intervention for emergency salvage of viscera was done. Microvascular surgical intervention for the vascular insufficient organ was performed, either by primary repair of vessels, use of interposition vein grafts, or anastomosis to a new source vessel (supercharging/super-drainage). Patients were monitored postoperatively for any signs of necrosis of viscera. Microvascular intervention was done in 21 cases: seven cases of supercharging of the gastric tube following esophagectomy, two cases of stomach salvage following pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodectomy, eight cases of hepatic artery restoration, two cases of splenic artery repair, and one each of colon salvage during coloplasty, etc. We were able to salvage the viscera of 20 cases. Arterial and venous insufficiencies can be predictably and safely reversed by precise microvascular techniques. Potentially, many greater numbers of patients can benefit from a microvascular approach to complex resections, injury, and viscera salvage.

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.

Proximal splenic artery embolization for treatment of refractory ascites, a single-center experience.

AIM: Refractory ascites from portal hypertension can be managed with regular large-volume paracentesis (LVP) or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Large-volume paracentesis is clinically unsatisfactory and many patients are ineligible or relatively contraindicated for TIPS or Denver shunt. Proximal splenic artery embolization (PSAE) using coils or plugs reduces but does not completely stop splenic arterial inflow, differing from distal splenic artery embolization techniques. By reducing splenic arterial inflow, splenic vein outflow is also decreased, lowering portal pressure and thus treating refractory ascites. METHODS: In this institutional review board-approved single-center retrospective study, electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain demographics and baseline clinical and laboratory data, paracentesis data before and after PSAE, PSAE procedural details, and follow-up imaging up to 12 months post-PSAE. Mixed-effects models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ten patients with LVP-dependent ascites meeting inclusion criteria underwent PSAE for refractory ascites from 2017 to 2024. Prior to PSAE, four patients had TIPS, three had liver transplants, and the remaining three were neither TIPS nor transplant candidates. In the month before PSAE, patients averaged 3.8 ± 1.7 paracentesis sessions, draining a total of 20.84 ± 10.39 L of fluid monthly. Post-PSAE, the number of paracentesis sessions decreased to 2.1 ± 2.7, 1.0 ± 1.7, 0.4 ± 1.1, and 0.0 ± 0.0 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively (p = 0.03). Corresponding ascitic volume drained decreased to 8.7 ± 10.3, 2.7 ± 6.4, 2.0 ± 5.4, and 0.0 ± 0.0 L (p = 0.01). Over the 12-month follow-up period, 6 of 10 patients became LVP-independent. CONCLUSION: Proximal splenic artery embolization can improve refractory ascites in certain patients with portal hypertension, thus providing safe and effective treatment as an alternative to TIPS.

EUS-Guided Vascular Interventions: Recent Advances.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided vascular interventions were first reported in 2000 in a study that evaluated the utility of EUS in sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Currently, gastric variceal therapy and portosystemic pressure gradient (PPG) measurements are the most widely utilized applications. Ectopic variceal obliteration, splenic artery embolization, aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm treatment, portal venous sampling, and portosystemic shunt creation using EUS are some of the other emerging interventions. Since the release of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)'s commentary in 2023, which primarily endorses EUS-guided gastric variceal therapy and EUS-PPG measurement, several new studies have been published supporting the use of EUS for various vascular conditions. In this review, we present the recent advances in this field, critically appraising new studies and trials.

Taking the Road Less Travelled: A Case Report of Distal Splenic Artery Embolisation via the Pancreaticoduodenal Arcade in Splenic Trauma With Celiac Artery Stenosis.

Celiac axis stenosis (CAS) is one of the most prevalent splanchnic arterial pathologies. It seldom results in clinically severe ischemic bowel disease because of the rich collateral circulation from the superior mesenteric artery. Knowledge about the collaterals in celiac artery stenosis guides various interventional procedures. Here, we describe a case of a 19-year-old female with American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade IV splenic injury found to have CAS. Distal splenic artery embolisation was performed via the collateral pathway through the pancreaticoduodenal arcade.

Rupture of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm With Gastric Perforation After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Case Report.

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is the most common visceral artery aneurysm and can lead to severe outcomes if ruptured. This report presents the case of a 71-year-old female who experienced a sudden and severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage 19 years after undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer. The patient arrived at the hospital with signs of shock, and imaging revealed an SAA rupture with associated gastric perforation. Emergency treatment involved endovascular techniques, which stabilized the patient and controlled the bleeding. This case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis and the effectiveness of endovascular therapy in managing SAA rupture, particularly in patients with complex surgical histories.

Clinical implementation of partial splenic artery embolization for the prevention of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices in portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of PSAE for secondary prevention of VB episodes in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and CSPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty patients (from 2008 to 2020) were submitted of PSAE as secondary prevention treatment. The results of the treatment of 27 patients between 2008 and 2012 (first period) were compared with those of 93 patients treated with PSAE since 2013 (second period), as procedure and management protocol were modificated. VB recurrence rate and mortality (related and non-related to bleeding episodes) were defined as study end-points in both groups at 12-months follow-up. RESULTS: Results: At 12-months follow-up, 11 (40,7 %) and 54 (58,1 %) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively, were free from VBs (p=0,129). Overall mortality rate was significantly higher in group 1, as compared to group 2: 10 (37,0 %) versus 6 (6,4 %) patients, respectively (p<0,001), - due to higher frequency of fatal VB events (7 (26,0 %) vs. 3 (3,2 %) patients, respectively; p=0,001). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: PSAE is an effective treatment for secondary prevention of VB in patients with CLD and CSPS. The management protocol modification resulted in the decrease in overall mortality rate and mortality related to recurrent VB episodes.

An Anomalous Origin of the Accessory Splenic Artery and its Significance in Surgical and Radiological Contexts: A Case Report.

Abstract: During the routine dissection classes for undergraduate medical students, we encountered a rare anatomical variation concerning the aberrant origin and course of the accessory splenic artery. The splenic artery is one of the direct branches of the coeliac trunk. During its tortuous course, it supplies the pancreas with greater curvature of the stomach and spleen. The accessory splenic artery originating from the main trunk of splenic artery, too, follows the same tortuous course while running through the lesser sac and supplies the posterior part of the spleen via the splenophrenic ligament. The accessory splenic artery is gaining clinical importance during various GI surgeries and some radiological procedures. The unnoticed accessory splenic artery damage may result in tremendous bleeding while performing GI-based surgery or radiological investigation like angiography. In our case report, the accessory splenic artery is an aberrant origin from the initial part of the actual splenic artery. Knowledge regarding the origin, course and termination is of utmost importance to GI surgeons, radiologists, and anatomists.

Lessons learned from follow up of spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with artery saving and vein sacrificing.

Background: The Warshaw method as a technique for spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) carries the risk of splenic infarction following splenic artery ligation. This study introduces a modified Warshaw method, which preserves the splenic artery while sacrificing the splenic vein, and compares its outcomes with the traditional Warshaw method. Methods: According to the bleeding status during vessel dissection, either the Warshaw method (group W) or the modified Warshaw method (group MW) was used. Guided by preoperative imaging, we utilized the planned modified Warshaw method (group PMW) when the splenic vein was embedded in the pancreatic parenchyma. Results: Group MW demonstrated a lower incidence of splenic infarction and engorged gastric collaterals than group W (6.3% vs. 69.8%, P<0.001; 25.0% vs. 55.8%, P=0.003, respectively). There were no significant differences in perioperative changes of splenic volume between the two groups. Group PMW experienced less estimated blood loss than group W (71.9±59.13 vs. 357.9±447.72 cc, P=0.006). Conclusions: The planned modified Warshaw method is an efficient and safe technique, resulting in lower estimated blood loss and favorable outcomes concerning splenic infarction and gastric collaterals than the Warshaw method without inducing congestive splenomegaly.

Simultaneous portal vein thrombosis and splenic vein thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: It is well-described that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic complications. While there have been many cases of pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis in these patients, reports of COVID-19 associated portal vein thrombosis (PVT) have been uncommon. We present a unique case of concomitant PVT and splenic artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient. CASE SUMMARY: A 77-year-old-male with no history of liver disease presented with three days of left-sided abdominal pain. One week earlier, the patient was diagnosed with mildly symptomatic COVID-19 and was treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Physical exam revealed mild right and left lower quadrant tenderness, but was otherwise unremarkable. Significant laboratory findings included white blood cell count 12.5 K/µL, total bilirubin 1.6 mg/dL, aminoaspartate transferase 40 U/L, and alanine aminotransferase 61 U/L. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed acute PVT with thrombus extending from the distal portion of the main portal vein into the right and left branches. Also noted was a thrombus within the distal portion of the splenic artery with resulting splenic infarct. Hypercoagulable workup including prothrombin gene analysis, factor V Leiden, cardiolipin antibody, and JAK2 mutation were all negative. Anticoagulation with enoxaparin was initiated, and the patient's pain improved. He was discharged on apixaban. CONCLUSION: It is quite uncommon for PVT to present simultaneously with an arterial thrombotic occlusion, as in the case of our patient. Unusual thrombotic manifestations are classically linked to hypercoagulable states including malignancy and hereditary and autoimmune disorders. Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, viral hepatitis, and COVID-19 have all been found to increase the risk of splanchnic venous occlusions, including PVT. In our patient, prompt abdominal imaging led to early detection of thrombus, early treatment, and an excellent outcome. This case is unique in that it is the second known case within the literature of simultaneous PVT and splenic artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient.

When Ascites Is Not Ascites!

Patients presenting with ascites should be properly evaluated to differentiate potential etiologies. Then, based on the evaluation, we can tailor more accurate treatment plans for patients. Cirrhosis is the most common cause, and others include cancer, heart failure, and, in our case, rarely a visceral artery rupture. Rupture of the splenic artery aneurysm can be lethal and should be considered as a possible differential in a patient with no previous history of heart failure, cancer, or cirrhosis. Our patient was identified after an initial misdiagnosis of possible ascites secondary to cirrhosis. However, input from an interventional radiologist led to proper identification and tailored management. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications, including death.

Breaking Patterns: A Case of Dieulafoy Lesion in a Young Patient Without Comorbid Conditions.

A Dieulafoy lesion is an abnormal artery located in the gastric submucosa that represents a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. These lesions typically present as massive hemorrhages in older patients, with multiple medical comorbidities. The lesions are diagnosed with endoscopy and treated with hemostasis by clip placement or coagulation. This case report is that of a rare presentation of this rare condition in a younger 18-year-old patient with no medical comorbidities. He presented with hematemesis, melena, and syncope in the setting of ibuprofen self-treatment for a recent upper viral illness. This medication use is a proposed inciting factor for the bleeding lesion, though he had a history of a splenic artery embolization following a remote motor vehicle accident, which could represent a mechanism for a rare acquired lesion. A gastroenterologist was consulted and assisted in the diagnosis and management of this patient. His lesion was identified and treated within 24 hours of his presentation.

Clinical Outcomes of Splenic Artery Embolization Versus Splenectomy in the Management of Hemodynamically Stable High-Grade Blunt Splenic Injuries: A National Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare the outcomes of splenic artery embolization (SAE) versus splenectomy in adult trauma patients with high-grade blunt splenic injuries. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database (2017-2021) compared SAE versus splenectomy in adults with blunt high-grade splenic injuries (grade ≥ IV). Patients were stratified first by hemodynamic status then splenic injury grade. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS), and transfusion requirements at four and 24 h from arrival. RESULTS: Three thousand one hundred nine hemodynamically stable patients were analyzed, with 2975 (95.7%) undergoing splenectomy and 134 (4.3%) with SAE. One thousand eight hundred sixty five patients had grade IV splenic injuries, and 1244 had grade V. Patients managed with SAE had 72% lower odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.28; P = 0.002), significantly shorter ICU-LOS (7 versus 9 d, 95%, P = 0.028), and received a mean of 1606 mL less packed red blood cells at four h compared to those undergoing splenectomy. Patients with grade IV or V injuries both had significantly lower odds of mortality (IV: OR 0.153, P < 0.001; V: OR 0.365, P = 0.041) and were given less packed red blood cells within four h when treated with SAE (2056 mL versus 405 mL, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SAE may be a safer and more effective management approach for hemodynamically stable adult trauma patients with high-grade blunt splenic injuries, as demonstrated by its association with significantly lower rates of in-hospital mortality, shorter ICU-LOS, and lower transfusion requirements compared to splenectomy.

Unusual causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in the intensive care unit through the radiology lens.

The great majority of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for critical gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) will have a predictable etiology. Once the site is localized to the upper versus the lower gastrointestinal tract, the number of typically encountered etiological possibilities is quite limited. On rare occasions, the cause of GIB requiring ICU care is not one of the standard considerations, potentially leading to diagnostic and therapeutic delays. Within a short time period, three patients were admitted to our institution's medical ICU each with a different unexpected cause of GIB. All three cases generated a variety of instructive images, which are used in the present series to illustrate these conditions and the role of radiology in their evaluation and management.

Partial Splenic Artery Embolization for the Management of Symptomatic Hypersplenism in Portal Hypertension: Clinical Insights from a Case Series.

Background and aims: Partial splenic artery embolization (PSAE) is an alternative treatment modality for managing hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension. We are presenting a case series of patients with portal hypertension who underwent PSAE for symptomatic hypersplenism. Methods: We included patients with portal hypertension who underwent PSAE from January 2022 to December 2022. Patients' characteristics and procedure related complications were noted. Data were analyzed for improvement in the hematological parameters. Results: A total of 11 (7 women, median age 34 [18-56] years) patients were included. Three patients were cirrhotic (hepatitis B-2, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease -1) and 8 were non-cirrhotic (extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction-5, Non cirrhotic portal fibrosis-3). Splenic artery aneurysm was concomitantly present in 5 cases. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Post embolization, hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelet counts improved at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks along with symptomatic improvement. All patients had post-embolization syndrome. One patient developed transient ascites and secondary bacterial peritonitis which was managed conservatively. One patient died due to splenic abscess and septicemia. Conclusion: Although, hematological parameters and symptoms improve post procedure, PSAE is associated with major complications and should be performed judiciously in selected cases only. Graphical abstract is presented in Figure 1.

Gastric rupture caused by intragastric perforation of splenic artery aneurysm: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The rupture of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (SAP) is life-threatening disease, often caused by trauma and pancreatitis. SAPs often rupture into the abdominal cavity and rarely into the stomach. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old male with no previous medical history was transported to our emergency center with transient loss of consciousness and tarry stools. After admission, the patient become hemodynamically unstable and his upper abdomen became markedly distended. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed on admission showed the presence of a splenic artery aneurysm (SAP) at the bottom of a gastric ulcer. Based on the clinical picture and evidence on explorative tests, we established a preliminary diagnosis of ruptured SAP bleeding into the stomach and performed emergency laparotomy. Intraoperative findings revealed the presence of a large intra-abdominal hematoma that had ruptured into the stomach. When we performed gastrotomy at the anterior wall of the stomach from the ruptured area, we found pulsatile bleeding from the exposed SAP; therefore, the SAP was ligated from inside of the stomach, with gauze packing into the ulcer. We temporarily closed the stomach wall and performed open abdomen management, as a damage control surgery (DCS) approach. On the third day of admission, total gastrectomy and splenectomy were performed, and reconstruction surgery was performed the next day. Histopathological studies of the stomach samples indicated the presence of moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Since no malignant cells were found at the rupture site, we concluded that the gastric rupture was caused by increased internal pressure due to the intra-abdominal hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated a patient with intragastric rupture of the SAP that was caused by gastric cancer invasion, accompanied by gastric rupture, by performing DCS. When treating gastric bleeding, such rare causes must be considered and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies should be designed according to the cause of bleeding.