I found this video very informative. I just received a diagnosis of a spleenic artery aneurysm. I appreciate the way you explained the situation in a way that's easy to understand, and calming.
Thank you Dr. Weinberg. Clear and succinct. Long, long ago on the first day of my gross anatomy lab the prof said; "If I had it my way we'd all be made of some stainless steel polymer. However we're not...." and the class unwrapped their cadavers. I visit my vascular surgeon for a consult in a couple of weeks I've a 11mm aneurysm on the proximal section of my splenic artery. No symptoms. I'll post outcome etc here for other potential patients.
At age 35, I had a splenic artery anyuerism. My speed was removed thus saving my life. I only knew of this anyuerism after I had a car accident and went to the hospital where the anyuerism was discovered. The surgery took place a few days later successfully. I owe my life to my surgeon in Orlando. He has since passed, but I think of him from time to time and feel so grateful he was there for me. Side note: when the 1st dr I saw before the final one, I saw a Dr whose after looking at my trays said, "I don't know what it is but it doesn't look like it's going anywhere. With that frightening statement, I asked for the xray, which Icwas given, and ran out of there as fast as I could, effectively saving ny own life in the process, until I found a Sugeon who ultimately saved my life.
Thank you for explaining that I was just recently diagnosed with a spleen artery aneurysm, and I am just wanted to check my options or what I might expect to hear from the doctor. I and 69 years old, they found it by chance. Thank you again
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without knowing specific details about the aneurysm (including looking at the images) I cannot comment about specific recommendations.
Recently we discussed about splenic aneurysm in one of my social media groups. Although the criteria of treatment are well established, sometimes colleagues get in doubt about interventions in particular cases. Your explanation was pretty much clear and I’m going to share with them
Thank you for your explanation. It was very clear to me. I'll be going on a few hours for my first CT angiography. It's wonderful to know before hand what I might need. Interestingly enough they found it through an x-ray of my abdomen and spine.
I just had a stent placed in my aorta 2 months ago and now I have this. CTA scan says 1.9CM in size. Hopefully, my appointment soon will bring me some peace of mind.
Great explanation of Splenic artery aneurysm (recently diagnosed) thank you for the video. There are other risk factors which should be considered when accessing the risk of your aneurysm, having very high levels of Lipoprotein (a) which I have been told by my specialist are linked to aneurysms, blood pressure and heart disease. Anymore advice on this.
Thank you for your comment. While risk-factors for atherosclerosis (such as high blood pressure and elevated lipids, including Lp(a)) are linked with artery weakening, we consider these aneurysms more sporadic than a direct cause. All the best.
There is very little information available regarding multiple splenic artery aneurysms. I am 36 and I have 5 wide neck distally located aneurysms. I believe having multiple is rare but beyond that I am not sure if having multiple increases rupture risks. Splenectomy is my only option but I'd prefer to keep my spleen as long as possible. Any additional information regarding multiple splenic artery aneurysms and rupture/growth risks would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for sharing. While I can’t comment about any particular case, I can say that in general, when we see multiple aneurysms, we think about two things. First, we try to understand the reason a person has several (examples include inflammation, genetic disorders, certain infections etc). Then, depending on the cause we try to address risk. Sometimes this means treating an aneurysm that has reached a certain size, and sometimes it means treating the root cause. Sometimes it also means looking for abnormalities elsewhere. Again, sorry can’t be more specific.
Thank you. I've seen multiple surgeons and doctors and no one seems to want to find a cause. I just keep hearing "cause is unknown" or "probably from having 2 children". I appreciate your time. I was mainly curious if multiple aneurysms in general could increase rupture risks or if rupture risks are the same no matter if there's 1 vs multiple.
Rupture risk is related to size, calcium, your age, and also to the underlying cause. Depending on where you live, you may want to find a vascular medicine specialist for consultation. Try this link: members.vascularmed.org/i4a/memberDirectory/index.cfm?directory_id=25&pageID=3602
Thank you very much. recently discovered a couple on a ct scan. Makes some sense of intermittent pain,nausea, and subsequent unintentional weight loss I’ve been having from lack of appetite. . However, they are small (1.1cm each) distal and with calcifications, and it seems like my docs aren’t worried in the slightest. (It’s the symptoms I like to be rid of!) Does being on blood thinners (x16 years) make it more worrisome or less for doctors? I am 48 and not a patient patient esp with my low pain tolerance.
Sorry to hear about your symptoms. We can’t comment about anyone’s specific case. But *usually* splenic artery aneurysms are not associated with any symptoms. As for blood thinners - I don’t know that they increase risk of bleeding in small splenic artery aneurysms. But in some locations in the body they do (for instance, the brain). Again, *usually*.
About 4 years ago I thought I might have hurt my kidney when I fell so doctor ordered an MRI. This was not my regular doctor (he was out that day). Anyway, the other doctor called me and said my kidney was fine and sent me a copy of the MRI results. When I reviewed them, I was shocked to see it said I had a splenic aneurysm 😱and she never mentioned it when she called me. I told my doctor about the aneurysm during my annual physical. He said I could get another MRI to see how it’s doing. But I’m 80 years old and my kidneys are not what they used to be, so I don’t think the MRI chemicals are good for me. I’m not sure what to do about this aneurysm. I lost 120 lbs. in the past 10 years. No longer taking statins, bp meds, nor pre-diabetic. My A1C is 4.9. What kind of doctor should I consult, if any? (The report said, “Curvilinear calcification in the splenic hilus is consistent with an 11 mm splenic artery aneurysm.”) Thank you kindly 🙏
Thank you very much for taking the time to tell your story. Unfortunately, I cannot offer specific advice. But I think it is safe for you to seek a second opinion with a vascular doctor. This can be vascular medicine, vascular surgery or vascular interventional doctor, depending on where you live.
Thank you so much for the clarification. I have a question, I did CT and got this result, and wanna ask what would you suggest treatment for my case: I’m 29 years old. well-defined rounded enhancing lesion at the splenic hilum, suggestive of a saccular distal splenic artery aneurysm (axial image 90, series 4). It measures 2.1 x 1.6 cm (image 178,series 5) with the neck of the aneurysm, measuring 5 mm.
I have had a splenic artery aneurysm for over 10 or 15 years. I was told a few years after that it had clotted. So I guess that was a good thing. Scary at first as you are afraid to do certain things . But I am doing well and an active 77 year old. Does clotted mean it will stay that way?
So relieved hearing this, mine is calcified. But I also have osteoporosis, so could bone loss occur in the calcified splenic aneurysm causing it to weaken and burst??! I think about this every.day I'm 70
Sorry for not being able to comment an about your specific case. But in general I don’t know of a relationship between osteoporosis bone loss and changes in calcium in an aneurysm wall.
Thanks for this video! Barely any information about SAA. I’ve been recently diagnosed with SAA (9.5mm x 21mm aneurysm) and I’m 35. Is this a dangerous size? I see the vascular surgeon next Thursday, but my anxiety is going off. Thank you
I am sorry to hear you are anxious. It is good you are seeing a vascular specialist. They will be able to assess the characteristics of your aneurysm and offer advice!
Thankyou for explaining this. I have a calcified splenic artery pseudoaneurym. 13mm. It hasnt been explained to me very well. I was told not to worry about it and to continue on as normal. And said I am ok to go to gym for exercise. Dr Google kind scares me a little. This was explained well. Do you have videos explaining pseudoaneurysm's ?
I am sorry that you did not receive accurate explanations and happy we could help some. In any case, we cannot offer specific advice. Usually a small, calcified pseudoaneurysm is safe. But the question is why did you develop a pseudoaneurysm in the first place?
I am sorry to hear about your concerns. Unfortunately, we cannot comment about specific cases or offer medical advice. I understand you are under the care of a physician, so I hope you can communicate with them about your concerns.
I am not sure. I don’t think it is related to the kidney at all, but there are rules about donating kidneys that can be quite strict. You will need to ask a kidney doctor.
I just had a stent placed in my aorta 2 months ago and now I have this. CTA scan says 1.9CM in size. Hopefully, my appointment soon will bring me some peace of mind.
