Successful splenic artery embolization in a patient with Behçet’s syndrome-associated splenic rupture:A case report

BACKGROUND Splenic rupture associated with Behçet’s syndrome(BS)is extremely rare,and there is no consensus on its management.In this case report,a patient with BSassociated splenic rupture was successfully treated with splenic artery embolization(SAE)and had a good prognosis after the intervention.CASE SUMMARY The patient was admitted for pain in the left upper abdominal quadrant.He was diagnosed with splenic rupture.Multiple oral and genital aphthous ulcers were observed,and acne scars were found on his back.He had a 2-year history of BS diagnosis,with symptoms of oral and genital ulcers.At that time,he was treated with oral corticosteroids for 1 month,but the symptoms did not alleviate.He underwent SAE to treat the rupture.On the first day after SAE,the patient reported a complete resolution of abdominal pain and was discharged 5 d later.Three months after the intervention,a computed tomography examination showed that the splenic hematoma had formed a stable cystic effusion,suggesting a good prognosis.CONCLUSION SAE might be a good choice for BS-associated splenic rupture based on good surgical practice and material selection.

Robot-assisted partial splenectomy for benign splenic tumors:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Robotic-assisted partial splenectomy(RAPS)is a superior approach for treating splenic cysts and splenic hemangiomas,as it preserves the immune function of the spleen and reduces the risk of overwhelming post splenectomy infection.Curren-tly,there are no standardized guidelines for performing a partial splenectomy.CASE SUMMARY Four patients with splenic cysts or splenic hemangiomas were treated by RAPS.Critical aspects with RAPS include carefully dissecting the splenic pedicle,accurately identifying and ligating the supplying vessels of the targeted segment,and ensuring precise hemostasis during splenic parenchymal transection.Four successful RAPS cases are presented,where the tumors were removed by pret-reating the splenic artery,dissecting and ligating the corresponding segmental vessels of the splenic pedicle,transecting the ischemic segment of the spleen,and using electrocautery for optimal hemostasis.Four patients underwent successful surgeries with minimal bleeding during the procedure,and there were no signs of bleeding or recurrence postoperatively.CONCLUSION Four cases confirm the feasibility and superiority of RAPS for the treatment of benign splenic tumors.

Simultaneous portal vein thrombosis and splenic vein thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND It is well-described that the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic complications.While there have been many cases of pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis in these patients,reports of COVID-19 associated portal vein thrombosis(PVT)have been uncommon.We present a unique case of concomitant PVT and splenic artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old-male with no history of liver disease presented with three days of left-sided abdominal pain.One week earlier,the patient was diagnosed with mildly symptomatic COVID-19 and was treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.Physical exam revealed mild right and left lower quadrant tenderness,but was otherwise unremarkable.Significant laboratory findings included white blood cell count 12.5 K/μL,total bilirubin 1.6 mg/dL,aminoaspartate transferase 40 U/L,and alanine aminotransferase 61 U/L.Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed acute PVT with thrombus extending from the distal portion of the main portal vein into the right and left branches.Also noted was a thrombus within the distal portion of the splenic artery with resulting splenic infarct.Hypercoagulable workup including prothrombin gene analysis,factor V Leiden,cardiolipin antibody,and JAK2 mutation were all negative.Anticoagulation with enoxaparin was initiated,and the patient’s pain improved.He was discharged on apixaban.CONCLUSION It is quite uncommon for PVT to present simultaneously with an arterial thrombotic occlusion,as in the case of our patient.Unusual thrombotic manifestations are classically linked to hypercoagulable states including malignancy and hereditary and autoimmune disorders.Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus,cytomegalovirus,viral hepatitis,and COVID-19 have all been found to increase the risk of splanchnic venous occlusions,including PVT.In our patient,prompt abdominal imaging led to early detection of thrombus,early treatment,and an excellent outcome.This case is unique in that it is the second known case within the literature of simultaneous PVT and splenic artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient.

Splenic hamartomas in children

Splenic hamartomas(SHs)are uncommon,benign vascular lesions of unclear etiology and are mostly found incidentally on abdominal images,at surgery,or at autopsy.Since the first case description,in 1861,less than 50 pediatric SH cases have been reported in the literature.In this article,we have performed an analysis of all SH cases in children published in the literature to date and presented our case of an 8-year-old male with SH.These lesions in children were shown to cause symptoms more often than in the adult population.The observed SH sizes in children ranged from a few millimeters to 18 cm,and the symptomatic lesions were mostly larger or multiple.The most common clinical finding was splenomegaly.Signs of hypersplenism were present in children with a single SH larger than 4.5 cm(diameter range:4.5-18.0 cm)and in those with multiple hamartomas,ranging from a few millimeters to 5 cm.Eighty percent of patients with available laboratory findings had hematological abnormalities such as anemia,thrombocytopenia,or pancytopenia.Other symptoms and signs included abdominal pain,recurrent infections,fever,night sweats,lethargy,growth retardation,and weight loss.The use of multiple imaging modalities may suggest the preoperative diagnosis of a splenic mass in children and determine the therapeutic approach.However,the final diagnosis of SH relies on histopathological evaluation.Surgery,including total or partial splenectomy(PS),is the mainstay of SH management.Milickovic M et al.Splenomas in children WJCC https://www.wjgnet.com 1910 April 16,2024 Volume 12 Issue 11 Although total splenectomy carries a greater risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection than PS it has remained the most performed surgical procedure in children with SH.In the majority of pediatric patients with symptomatic SH,resolution of symptoms and resolution or improvement of cytopenias occurred after surgical treatment.

Splenic subcapsular hematoma following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Splenic injury following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is a rare complication.The literature contains around 30 articles reporting various degrees of splenic injuries resulting from ERCP since the first report of splenic rupture after ERCP in 1989.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a case of splenic hematoma and stent displacement in a 69-year-old male patient who developed these conditions 7 days after undergoing ERCP and stenting.The patient had bile duct stenosis caused by a malignant tumor that was obstructing the bile duct.The diagnosis was confirmed by epigastric computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage,endoscopic pyloric stent placement,and conservative management.The causes of splenic injury following ERCP are discussed.CONCLUSION ERCP has the potential to cause splenic injury.If a patient experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain,decreased blood pressure,and altered hematology after the procedure,it's important to be thoroughly investigated for postoperative bleeding and splenic injury.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided coaxial core needle biopsy for the diagnosis of multiple splenic lesions: A case report

BACKGROUND The overlap of imaging manifestations among distinct splenic lesions gives rise to a diagnostic dilemma.Consequently,a definitive diagnosis primarily relies on his-tological results.The ultrasound(US)-guided coaxial core needle biopsy(CNB)not only procures sufficient tissue to help clarify the diagnosis,but reduces the incidence of puncture-related complications.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old female,with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis,was admitted to our hospital with multiple indeterminate splenic lesions.Gray-scale ultrasono-graphy demonstrated splenomegaly with numerous well-defined hypoechoic ma-sses.Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)showed an en-larged spleen with multiple irregular-shaped,peripherally enhancing,hypodense lesions.Positron emission CT revealed numerous abnormal hyperglycemia foci.These imaging findings strongly indicated the possibility of infectious disease as the primary concern,with neoplastic lesions requiring exclusion.To obtain the precise pathological diagnosis,the US-guided coaxial CNB of the spleen was ca-rried out.The patient did not express any discomfort during the procedure.CONCLUSION Percutaneous US-guided coaxial CNB is an excellent and safe option for obtaining precise splenic tissue samples,as it significantly enhances sample yield for exact pathological analysis with minimum trauma to the spleen parenchyma and sur-rounding tissue.

Will partial splenic embolization followed by splenectomy increase intraoperative bleeding?

BACKGROUND Partial splenic embolization(PSE)has been suggested as an alternative to splenectomy in the treatment of hypersplenism.However,some patients may experience recurrence of hypersplenism after PSE and require splenectomy.Currently,there is a lack of evidence-based medical support regarding whether preoperative PSE followed by splenectomy can reduce the incidence of complications.AIM To investigate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of preoperative PSE followed by splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis and hypersplenism.METHODS Between January 2010 and December 2021,321 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and hypersplenism underwent splenectomy at our department.Based on whether PSE was performed prior to splenectomy,the patients were divided into two groups:PSE group(n=40)and non-PSE group(n=281).Patient characteristics,postoperative complications,and follow-up data were compared between groups.Propensity score matching(PSM)was conducted,and univariable and multivariable analyses were used to establish a nomogram predictive model for intraoperative bleeding(IB).The receiver operating characteristic curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,and decision curve analysis(DCA)were employed to evaluate the differentiation,calibration,and clinical performance of the model.RESULTS After PSM,the non-PSE group showed significant reductions in hospital stay,intraoperative blood loss,and operation time(all P=0.00).Multivariate analysis revealed that spleen length,portal vein diameter,splenic vein diameter,and history of PSE were independent predictive factors for IB.A nomogram predictive model of IB was constructed,and DCA demonstrated the clinical utility of this model.Both groups exhibited similar results in terms of overall survival during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Preoperative PSE followed by splenectomy may increase the incidence of IB and a nomogram-based prediction model can predict the occurrence of IB.

Persistent Abdominal Pain Associated with Splenic Lymphangioma in An Adult Patient: A Case Presentation

Splenic lymphangioma is a rare benign lesion, predominantly seen in the pediatric population and exceptionally in adults. It is usually associated with lymphatic system malformations caused by secondary lymphangiectasia due to abnormal communication between lymphatic ducts. It often coexists with complex clinical syndromes, such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, congenital epithelial cysts, or, in less frequent conditions, infectious or post-traumatic triggering events. It typically presents in the neck or axillae, with intra-abdominal cases accounting for less than 5% of all cases. We present the clinical case of a 44-year-old male patient who presented with a clinical course of approximately one month, characterized by progressive abdominal pain associated with nausea, multiple episodes of emesis, anorexia, and involuntary weight loss. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, revealing a poorly differentiated lesion in the splenic topography, for which a biopsy was performed, leading to the definitive diagnosis. In this scenario, splenic lymphangioma should be considered among the differential diagnoses of persistent abdominal pain, and definitive interventions should be determined based on clinical characteristics.

Abdominal Trauma during Pregnancy with Splenic Rupture and Fetal Death in Utero at Bogodogo University Hospital: A Case Report

Splenic injury caused by abdominal trauma during pregnancy is rare. Splenic injury associated with fetal death in utero following a fall from a tree top is even rarer. The authors report a case of splenic trauma associated with fetal death in utero following a fall from the top of a tree in a 19-year-old pregnant woman at 30 weeks amenorrhoea. She was referred from a 1st level health facility for trauma that had occurred the day before admission. She was in poor general condition (WHO performance status IV) and had a cardiovascular collapse. Ultrasound was used to diagnose haemoperitoneum and fetal death in utero. A CT scan was used to diagnose splenic lesions. Treatment consisted of splenectomy and caesarean section after resuscitation.

Ruptured Splenic Artery Aneurysm (SAA) in an Elderly Patient with Hypercoagulability: A Very Vague Presentation

Here, we discuss a 78-year-old woman with symptoms of shortness of breath and intermittent productive cough, which worsened over time. She had a history of Factor V Leiden and unprovoked pulmonary embolism (PE) and was on lifelong warfarin. The patient was found to have a widened mediastinum and a small left-sided pleural effusion on chest X-ray, leading to CT aortogram to assess for aortic pathology. While in the CT scanner, she experienced an acute deterioration and went into shock. The initial diagnosis was anaphylactic reaction to the contrast agent, but the CT images revealed an active bleeding in the left upper quadrant, possibly of splenic origin. The patient was stabilized with aggressive resuscitation measures and transferred to a referral hospital for urgent surgery. The surgery revealed a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm (SAA), and the patient was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for further management. However, she developed a large infarct in the left occipital lobe and passed away after six days. The case highlights the significance of recognizing the symptoms and signs of SAA and then taking a multidisciplinary approach in managing SAA patients, particularly those with hypercoagulability (Graphic 1).

Research Progress on Individualized Treatment of Splenic Aneurysm

Splenic artery aneurysm has a hidden onset and atypical symptoms.There are various diagnostic methods for splenic aneurysms,among which ultrasound is the first choice for aneurysm screening.The diagnostic rate of CTA and DSA reaches 100%.In clinical practice,it is necessary to integrate medical history,symptoms and signs,and multiple imaging results to improve the diagnostic rate.In terms of treatment plans,both intervention and surgical procedures have their strengths,and the application of intervention will be more extensive.We need to adhere to the principle of individualization and choose a reasonable treatment plan for patients.At present,there are many reports on pregnant women with large splenic aneurysms both domestically and internationally.Some scholars believe that large splenic aneurysms may be related to hormonal imbalances during pregnancy,and the specific pathogenic mechanism will become a hot topic in future research.

Treatment of colonic varices and gastrointestinal bleeding by recanalization and stenting of splenic-vein-thrombosis:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Splenic vein thrombosis is a known complication of pancreatitis.It can lead to increased blood flow through mesenteric collaterals.This segmental hypertension may result in the development of colonic varices(CV)with a high risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding.While clear guidelines for treatment are lacking,splenectomy or splenic artery embolization are often used to treat bleeding.Splenic vein stenting has been shown to be a safe option.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old female patient was admitted due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.She was anemic with a hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dL.As a source of bleeding,CV were identified.Computed tomography scans revealed thrombotic occlusion of the splenic vein,presumably as a result of a severe acute pancreatitis 8 years prior.In a selective angiography,a dilated mesenterial collateral leading from the spleen to enlarged vessels in the right colonic flexure and draining into the superior mesenteric vein could be confirmed.The hepatic venous pressure gradient was within normal range.In an interdisciplinary board,transhepatic recanalization of the splenic vein via balloon dilatation and consecutive stenting,as well as coiling of the aberrant veins was discussed and successfully performed.Consecutive evaluation revealed complete regression of CV and splenomegaly as well as normalization of the red blood cell count during follow-up.CONCLUSION Recanalization and stenting of splenic vein thrombosis might be considered in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding due to CV.However,a multidisciplinary approach with a thorough workup and discussion of individualized therapeutic strategies is crucial in these difficult to treat patients.

Distribution of splenic artery lymph nodes and splenic hilar lymph nodes

BACKGROUND Total gastrectomy with splenectomy is the standard treatment for advanced proximal gastric cancer with greater-curvature invasion.As an alternative to splenectomy,laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node(LN)dissection(SPSHLD)has been developed.With SPSHLD,the posterior splenic hilar LNs are left behind.AIM To clarify the distribution of splenic hilar(No.10)and splenic artery(No.11p and 11d)LNs and to verify the possibility of omitting posterior LN dissection in laparoscopic SPSHLD from an anatomical standpoint.METHODS Hematoxylin&eosin-stained specimens were prepared from six cadavers,and the distribution of LN No.10,11p,and 11d was evaluated.In addition,heatmaps were constructed and three-dimensional reconstructions were created to visualize the LN distribution for qualitative evaluation.RESULTS There was little difference in the number of No.10 LNs between the anterior and posterior sides.For LN No.11p and 11d,the anterior LNs were more numerous than the posterior LNs in all cases.The number of posterior LNs increased toward the hilar side.Heatmaps and three-dimensional reconstructions showed that LN No.11p was more abundant in the superficial area,while LN No.11d and 10 were more abundant in the deep intervascular area.CONCLUSION The number of posterior LNs increased toward the hilum and was not neglectable.Thus,surgeons should consider that some posterior No.10 and No.11d LNs may remain after SPSHLD.

“Parenchyma transection-first”strategy is superior to“tunnel-first”strategy in robotic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of splenic vessels

Background: Creating a tunnel between the pancreas and splenic vessels followed by pancreatic parenchyma transection(“tunnel-first” strategy) has long been used in spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy(SPDP) with splenic vessel preservation(Kimura’s procedure). However, the operation space is limited in the tunnel, leading to the risks of bleeding and difficulties in suturing. We adopted the pancreatic “parenchyma transection-first” strategy to optimize Kimura’s procedure. Methods: The clinical data of consecutive patients who underwent robotic SPDP with Kimura’s procedure between January 2017 and September 2022 at our center were retrieved. The cohort was classified into a “parenchyma transection-first” strategy(P-F) group and a “tunnel-first” strategy(T-F) group and analyzed. Results: A total of 91 patients were enrolled in this cohort, with 49 in the T-F group and 42 in the P-F group. Compared with the T-F group, the P-F group had significantly shorter operative time(146.1 ± 39.2 min vs. 174.9 ± 46.6 min, P < 0.01) and lower estimated blood loss [40.0(20.0–55.0) m L vs. 50.0(20.0–100.0) m L, P = 0.03]. Failure of splenic vessel preservation occurred in 10.2% patients in the TF group and 2.4% in the P-F group( P = 0.14). The grade 3/4 complications were similar between the two groups( P = 0.57). No differences in postoperative pancreatic fistula, abdominal infection or hemorrhage were observed between the two groups. Conclusions: The pancreatic “parenchyma transection-first” strategy is safe and feasible compared with traditional “tunnel-first strategy” in SPDP with Kimura’s procedure.

Recurrence of Poorly Differenciated Cervical Cancer by Single Splenic Metastasis: Case Report and Literature Review

Background: The incidence of cervical cancer in Belgium is 11.1 per 100,000. With the introduction of cervical cytology screening and more recently anti-HPV vaccination, this rate has been decreasing for almost 20 years. Despite this, some patients are missed by the screening and prevention system and cervical cancer is still diagnosed at an advanced stage. Recurrences by splenic metastases are rare and are most often found at autopsy. Case Study: We describe the case of a 41-year-old caucasian patient with a single splenic recurrence after radiotherapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, and surgery for a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the cervix grade 3 at an initial stage IIB according to FIGO. This recurrence happens 3 years after the initial treatment. After monitoring this asymptomatic lesion, the size increase results in laparoscopic splenectomy. Histology demonstrates a splenic metastasis recurrence of adenocarcinoma of endocervical origin. Conclusion: The spleen is a rare metastatic site in cervical cancer. Splenectomy followed by chemotherapy is the therapy most often found in the literature, which is however poor in this regard.

Isolated splenic vein thrombosis secondary to splenic metastasis: A case report

A 49-year-old, previously healthy woman sought treatment for abdominal pain. Colonoscopy revealed ascending colon cancer. Computed tomography and angiography showed splenic metastasis and thrombosis extending from the splenic vein to the portal vein. She underwent right hemicolectomy, splenectomy, and distal pancreatomy. Histological findings showed no malignant cell in the splenic vein which was filled with organizing thrombus. We postulate the mechanism of splenic vein thrombosis in our case to be secondary to the extrinsic compression of the splenic vein by the splenic metastasis or by the inflammatory process produced by the splenic metastasis. In conclusion, we suggest that splenic metastasis should be added to the list of differential diagnosis which causes splenic vein thrombosis. In the absence of other sites of neoplastic disease, splenectomy seems to be the preferred therapy because it can be performed with low morbidity and harbors the potential for long-term survival.

Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein

PreservaUon of the spleen at distal pancreatectomy has recently attracted considerable attention. Since our first successful trial, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein for tumors of the pancreas and chronic pancreatitis has been performed more frequently. The technique for spleenpreserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of the splenic artery and vein are outlined. The splenic vein is identified behind the pancreas and within the thin connective tissue membrane. The connective tissue membrane is cut longitudinally above the splenic vein. An important issue is to remove the splenic vein from the body of the pancreas toward the spleen, since a different approach may be very difficult. The pancreas is preferably removed from the splenic artery toward the head of the pancreas itself. This procedure is much easier than removing the pancreas from the vein side. One patient had undergone distal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer, with reconstruction by Billroth Ⅱ tehcnique. If distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy had been performed for the lesion of the distal pancreas at the time, the residual stomach would also have to be resected. The potential damage done to the patient by reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract in combination with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy would have been much greater than with distal pancreatectomy only with preservation of the spleen and residual stomach. Benign lesions as well as low-grade malignancy of the body and tail of the pancreas may be a possible indication for this procedure.

Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy for Giant Hemangioma Misdiagnosed as Splenic Cyst:a Case Report

ALTHOUGH unusual, hemangioma is the most common type of primary splenic neoplasm.1 Usually, splenic hemangioma appears as solid mass, but sometimes it presents cystic corn-ponent as well, which is difficult to discriminate from some other lesions, such as abscess, simple cyst, parasitic cyst, and lymphangioma.2 Preoperative diagnosis of splenic hemangioma mainly depends on imaging study （e.g. ultrasonography, CT, MRI）.

Laparoscopic ligation of proximal splenic artery aneurysm with splenic function preservation

Splenic artery aneurysm is one of the most common visceral aneurysms,and patients with this type of aneurysm often present without symptoms.However,when rupture occurs,it can be a catastrophic event.Although most of these aneurysms can be treated with percutaneous embolization,some located in uncommon parts of the splenic artery may make this approach impossible.We present a patient with an aneurysm in the proximal splenic artery,close to the celiac trunk,which was treated by laparoscopic ligation only,without resection of the aneurysm,and with long-term preservation of splenic function.

Total splenic artery embolization for splenic artery aneurysms in patients with normal spleen

AIM: To evaluate total embolization of the main splenic artery in patients with splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) and normal spleen.