Splenic Vein Aneurysms with Communication to the Left Renal Vein

Anatomy and Classification of Visceral Aneurysms

Splenic artery aneurysms are the most common visceral aneurysms (60% of all visceral aneurysms), while splenic vein aneurysms are much rarer 1
Visceral aneurysms are defined as localized arterial dilatations ≥50% of the normal vessel diameter 2

Most patients with splenic vascular aneurysms are asymptomatic at discovery, with aneurysms typically found incidentally during abdominal imaging 1
Approximately 20% of patients present with either chronic upper abdominal pain or acute rupture 1

Cross-sectional imaging is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning, with CT angiography (CTA) being the optimal imaging choice for detailed vascular anatomy 2
MR angiography (MRA) may be substituted if CT cannot be performed, and ultrasound can be useful for initial detection and surveillance 2, 1
Imaging should evaluate the size and location of the aneurysm, involvement of adjacent vascular structures, and evidence of portal hypertension or splenomegaly 2

Asymptomatic small aneurysms may be observed with periodic imaging surveillance 2
Endovascular techniques, such as coil embolization or stent placement, have technical success rates of 67-100% 1

Female gender is a risk factor for splenic artery aneurysms, with higher incidence in women 1
Pregnancy significantly increases rupture risk, with maternal mortality rates up to 70% and fetal mortality exceeding 90% 1
Patients undergoing catheter-based interventions should be monitored closely for development of abdominal pain, which may indicate complications 1