# Endovascular management of splenic artery aneurysms in women of childbearing age: a case report and a review of literature

## TL;DR

A 37-year-old woman with a splenic artery aneurysm underwent endovascular treatment to safely manage the aneurysm and later had an uneventful pregnancy.

## Contribution

The paper presents a successful case of endovascular treatment for a splenic artery aneurysm in a woman of childbearing age, including long-term follow-up through pregnancy.

## Key findings

- Endovascular treatment with coiling and stenting successfully excluded the aneurysm and preserved splenic flow.
- The patient had an uneventful pregnancy and delivery ten months after the procedure.
- Combining coiling and stent grafting may offer a safe option for managing splenic artery aneurysms in women who plan to become pregnant.

## Abstract

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs), though rare, are the most common splanchnic artery aneurysms and carry high maternal and fetal mortality if ruptured during pregnancy. Despite growing awareness, optimal long-term management and follow-up in women of childbearing age remain unclear.

We report a case of a healthy 37-year-old gravida 2 para 2 woman with an incidentally discovered 1.4 cm mid-splenic artery aneurysm on follow-up imaging after gastric banding. Due to her reproductive potential, endovascular treatment was performed. Coil embolization of two small branches arising from the aneurysm sac was followed by placement of a balloon-mounted 7 mm covered stent across the aneurysm neck. The procedure was uncomplicated, and post-intervention imaging confirmed aneurysm exclusion and preserved distal flow. Follow-up at 3 and 6 months showed complete thrombosis of the sac, patent stent, and no evidence of infarction. Ten months later, the patient had an uneventful pregnancy and delivery.

Endovascular approaches are increasingly preferred over surgery due to lower morbidity and better fertility preservation. Coiling is effective but may risk recanalization or infarction. Covered stents offer structural stability, preserve splenic flow, and allow clearer imaging follow-up. However, challenges include delivery in tortuous vessels and a potential endoleak. In our case, combining coiling of branches with stenting ensured aneurysm exclusion while supporting safe pregnancy.

Stent grafting with selective coiling is a safe and effective option for managing SAAs in women of childbearing age. This case demonstrates successful treatment with long-term follow-up through pregnancy, though further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines.