Selective splenic arteriography for interleukin-2 administration: radiologic complications from the initial 113 procedures.

A retrospective analysis was performed of the safety and efficacy of selective splenic artery catheterization for infusion of the immunotherapeutic agent interleukin-2 (IL-2). Fifty-one patients with metastatic melanoma had 103 successful catheterizations out of 113 attempts (91%). In nine patients preferential contrast flow was obtained into the splenic artery. When satisfactorily placed, the catheter position remained stable during the period of infusion in 98% of examinations. The incidence of major arteriographic complications was 4.5% and of minor complications 8.9%. The main problems encountered were thrombosis (3.6%) or persistent bleeding/hematoma formation (2.7%), in a patient population at high risk of malignant coagulopathy. Subintimal contrast injection occurred in five examinations (4.5%).