Splenic Artery Aneurysm (SAA)

Ever scanned someone and the report says "incidental note of a splenic artery aneurysm"? Well, if it hasn't happened yet, it will sooner or later. This type of aneurysm isn't that rare and with the number of abdominal CTs we order we are bound to see this in clinical practice.

Some important points to remember about SAA:

• 3rd most common location of intra-abdominal aneurysm, 1st-aortic aneurysm, 2nd-iliac artery aneurysm
• Most common complication is sudden rupture and occurs in as many as 3-10% of cases
• 80% pf patients with SAA are asymptomatic
• Symptomatic aneurysms may present with left upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting
• Splenic infarct is a rare complication
• Most important is followup: patients will need close followup for asymptomatic splenic artery aneurysms. Consultation with a surgeon will need to be arranged if it is thought that the patient has symptoms due to the aneurysm