Endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms. A single center 10-year experience

Abstract

Background: the prevalence of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) is low (0.1 to 2%). Up to 25% may present as rupture which is associated with high mortality (up to 70%). Endovascular treatment has gained ground and is even considered the first option according to the most recent recommendations.
Nowadays, almost any anatomy can be approached with endovascular techniques used to treat intracranial aneurysms.
Objective: the aim of our study was to describe the experience and approach for the endovascular management of VAAs with short-, mid-, and long-term results.
Material and methods: we conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients with true VAAs undergoing endovascular treatment in a single center between 2010 and 2020 who were followed up for a minimum of 6 months.
Results: we analyzed 19 procedures in 18 patients (9 men and 9 women). Mean age was 61.9 years; mean length of hospital stay was 1.94 days and mean follow-up was 40 months. The splenic artery was the vessel most affected (n = 9, 50%). Mean aneurysm size was 30.1 mm. Flow diversion was the strategy most used (n = 8, 42.1%). Two patients required reintervention (11%). Complete exclusion rate was 38.4%, 47.4%, 68.4% and 94.7% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were no cases of mortality within the first 30 days and no aneurysm-related mortality during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: endovascular treatment of VAAs is a safe and efficient strategy but requires adequate technology for preoperative planning and treatment.